Pheasants Slam Sioux City For Series Sweep
Published on July 23, 2010 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
For the second consecutive game, Sioux Falls Pheasants catcher Eddy Rodriguez drove in the game-winning run against the Sioux City Explorers. This time it was part of an eight-run eighth inning that hoisted the Pheasants to a 13-11 victory in front of 2,195 fans at Sioux Falls Stadium on Thursday night.
The win completed a three-game sweep of a series that began in Sioux City, boosting the Pheasants' season record to 46-19. Sioux Falls keeps a two-game lead over St. Paul for first place in the North Division.
Sioux Falls spotted the Explorers four unearned runs through the fourth inning with the help of two infield errors. The two I-29 rivals traded blows from there, with the Pheasants twice cutting big deficits to one run. But the Explorers rebuilt an 8-5 lead in the top of the eighth inning on a groundout and the second solo home run of the game from Sioux City catcher Matt Kramer.
Sioux Falls responded by loading the bases with no outs in the bottom of the eighth on two walks and two singles. Hunter Jobes then drew a bases loaded walk, Gus Milner bounced in a run on a groundout and Will Richards hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game, 8-8. That set up Rodriguez, who doubled down the left field line to score Jobes.
The Pheasants reloaded the bases for Beau Torbert, who smashed a grand slam onto the left field party deck for a 13-8 lead. It was Torbert's 46th career home run in Sioux Falls, overtaking Charles Peterson for second all-time in franchise history.
The five-run cushion proved necessary for Pheasants reliever Brandon Rapoza, who allowed five consecutive hits and three runs in the ninth before retiring the final three batters on a flyout and two strikeouts.
Neither starter factored in the decision. Andrew Pluta (3-2) picked up the win for pitching the top of the eighth. Eddie Delacruz (2-1) took the loss for Sioux City.
Sioux Falls begins a three-game series with the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, July 23, in Lincoln, Neb. The game will be broadcast live on Sioux Falls Sports Radio 1230-AM KWSN and www.kwsn.com.
The Pheasants are members of the American Association, a 10-team independent professional baseball league playing its fifth season this summer. Individual and group ticket information is available by calling (605) 333-0179. Fans can also visit the Pheasants at www.sfpheasants.com.
American Association Stories from July 23, 2010
- Pheasants stay hot with win in Lincoln - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Wild pitch again scores run that costs Lincoln - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Spiers Sparks Wingnuts Over Saints - Wichita Wingnuts
- Saints Lose Battle of All-Star Arms 6-2 - St. Paul Saints
- Rodriguez first to 10 wins as Captains nip Grand Prairie - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
- McClelland Era Begins October 15th - Wichita Wingnuts
- Saltdogs' Machado Added to All-Star Team - Lincoln Saltdogs
- All-Star Schedule of Events Announced - Wichita Wingnuts
- Pheasants Slam Sioux City For Series Sweep - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Marquez Starts And Ends Captains' 11-Inning Win - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
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