X's fall to Saint Paul
Published on June 18, 2006 under American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
SIOUX CITY - The Sioux City Explorers fell 11-2 to the Saint Paul Saints on Sunday night at Lewis and Clark Park. The loss drops the X's record to 16-19 and the Saints improve to 21-14.
Once again the Saints started quickly, getting five runs off of Sioux City starter Tom Lipari in the second inning. Brian Sprout had a one out walk and scored on a Rob Fischer single to center. A Josh Renick single to center scored Fischer and Nick Gretz. Renick and Billy Cox added the final two runs of the inning when Pat Scalabrini singled to center.
The X's struggled on offense but were able to cut the lead in the home half of the fourth. JJ Burress drove home Chris Grossman with a single to second base.
Saint Paul put the game away in the seventh, adding three runs. Lipari got two quick outs, but couldn't get out of the inning. The Saints loaded the bases and Lipari hit Gretz, which scored Victor Rodriguez. A Rob Fischer single to left-center scored Brian Sprout and Brian Becker.
After shutting down the X's in the eighth, Saint Paul added three insurance runs in the ninth. After loading the bases, Jason Howerton hit Fischer, bringing home Rodriguez. Brian Becker scored off a Jeremy Frost fielder's choice. Derek Willis, who came in to pinch-run for Gretz, scored on a Billy Cox single to right.
The winning pitcher for the Saints was starter Charlie Ruud. Ruud threw six innings allowing eight hits but only two runs; he walked three and struck out seven. Tom Lipari took the loss for the X's, going 6.2 innings. Lipari gave up nine hits and eight runs, walking four and striking out three.
Sioux City will return to action on Tuesday, when the Sioux Falls Canaries come to Lewis and Clark Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and Aaron Marsden will make his Sioux City debut.
American Association Stories from June 18, 2006
- 'Snakes sweep Sports to complete southern swing - St. Joseph Blacksnakes
- X's fall to Saint Paul - Sioux City Explorers
- Canaries lose see-saw battle, 11-7 - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Canaries Swept in Doubleheader - Sioux Falls Canaries
- American Association Recaps - AA
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