X's rally to defeat Lincoln
July 20, 2006 - American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
SIOUX CITY - The Sioux City Explorers rallied in the ninth inning to defeat the Lincoln Saltdogs, 4-3, Thursday night at Lewis and Clark Park. The win improves the X's season record to 32-30 (8-6 Second Half) and the loss drops the Saltdogs to 36-25 (5-8 Second Half). The X's maintain their half game lead over Sioux Falls and Saint Paul for first place in the AA North Division.
The Saltdogs jumped off to a quick start, scoring two runs in the top of the second. Pichi Balet singled to left field to lead off the inning, and Josh Patton followed with a double to right-center. Both would come around to score on a Kevin Sullivan single to center.
The X's would get on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Zack Pace scored on a Jake Daubert grounder to short. Lincoln would extend its lead to 3-1 in the top of the sixth when Bryan Warner scored an unearned run.
The Sioux City rally would start in the home half of the seventh when Jorge Moreno scored on a Dan Meier double to right. The X's would finish the rally in the bottom of the ninth. Chris Grossman led off with a double to right-center and Dan Meier singled to center, scoring Grossman. Kevin Henry would single to center and drive in Meier to win the game.
Sioux City starter Billy Keppinger got the win, pitching a complete game. Keppinger scattered nine hits, allowed three runs and struck out two. Kyle Ruwe came in to pitch the ninth inning for Lincoln and gave up four hits and two runs in the loss.
The win was the fifth walk-off win for the X's this season; giving Sioux City a season total of 11 wins in their last at-bat. In the last seven games, the X's and Saltdogs have been separated by a total of eight runs.
The X's and Saltdogs will play game two of their three game series Friday night at Lewis and Clark Park. Nate Holguin (2-0) will take the mound for Sioux City and Lindsay Gulin (7-1) will start for Lincoln. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.xsbaseball.com, by phone at 277-WINS, or at the Lewis and Clark Park box office.
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