Pheasants win wild one over Fargo-Moorhead
Published on July 28, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS- In a 12-inning, seesaw marathon between two North Division rivals, the Sioux Falls Pheasants outlasted the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks for a 6-5 win in the series opener Thursday at Sioux Falls Stadium.
With the bases loaded and two outs in the 12th, Fargo-Moorhead reliever Adam Tollefson's first pitch to Brandon Sing kicked away from catcher Todd Jennings, allowing Henry Contreras to scamper home for the game-winning run.
The Pheasants never quit despite trailing the RedHawks twice in the late innings. Four of the six Pheasants runs were scored with two outs.
Trailing 4-3 in the eighth, Reggie Abercrombie reached on an error to lead off the inning. After stealing second base, Abercrombie scored on an RBI single from Mark Shorey to tie the game.
Fargo-Moorhead retook a 5-4 lead on Nic Jackson's run-scoring single in the 10th. With one out in the bottom of the inning, Trevor Lawhorn blasted a solo homer to even the score and keep the Birds alive again.
Reliever Dan McDaniel (2-2) put runners in scoring position with no outs in both the 11th and 12th innings, but was able to escape without allowing a run.
"We put ourselves in some difficult positions in extras," said manager Steve Shirley. "Dan did a great job of pitching his way out of those jams."
Starter Ben Moore could not duplicate his two-hitter from his last start, but the ace still turned in a outstanding effort. The Pheasants ace completed nine innings while giving up four runs on six hits. The no-decision snapped a streak of six consecutive starts with a victory.
"We had a tough loss last night, so we wanted to come out and play good baseball," Shorey said. "We got a great performance from Ben, and we were able to pull this one out."
Shorey led the Pheasants offense, going 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI.
Tollefson (0-1) took the loss, giving up one run on one hit with two walks in two-thirds of an inning.
The win improves the Pheasants to 33-38.
The two clubs take the field for the second of the three-game series at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, July 29, at Sioux Falls Stadium. It is Fantastic Fireworks Friday; the Pheasants' popular fireworks show will follow the game, sponsored by Sanford Health. The first 1,000 fans will also receive a Pheasants souvenir cup from Midco Sports Net.
American Association Stories from July 28, 2011
- Pheasants win wild one over Fargo-Moorhead - Sioux Falls Canaries
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Big Hit Eludes AirHogs as Trip Concludes with Loss - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Strawn Goes 7.2 Innings, Earns First Pro Win as Captains Take Rubber Game from AirHogs 5-4 - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
- Wingnuts Roll into Long Trip with Win Over KC - Wichita Wingnuts
- T-Bones Slammed by Workman, Wingnuts - Kansas City Monarchs
- Wyatt Moved to Fargo - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- X's Take Series, With 11th Inning Win Versus Goldeyes - Sioux City Explorers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
