X's take game three from Saint Paul
Published on July 5, 2006 under American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
SIOUX CITY - The Sioux City Explorers won the rubber match of their second-half opening series, 5-4 from the Saint Paul Saints Wednesday night at Lewis and Clark Park. The X's improve their season record to 26-25 and the Saints fall to 30-21.
Sioux City got on the board early and often, scoring four runs in the bottom of the second. Ryan Gripp led off with a double to right-center and later scored on a Mike Richardson single to center. The next run came from Jake Daubert who walked and scored on a Robert Mendoza single to left. Zack Pace hit into a fielder's choice, allowing Chris Grossman to score. The final run of the inning came when Richardson who crossed home on a JJ Burress double to center.
The Saints were able to get on the board in the top of the third when Chaz Lytle singled to center and scored Josh Renick double to left. Sioux City responded in the home half of the inning, when Jorge Moreno scored an unearned run.
Saint Paul once again tried to rally, getting one run in the top of the fifth. Rob Fischer was hit by a pitch from Sioux City starter Karsten Gaarder and scored on a Renick single to center.
The Saints drew closer in the top of the seventh, when Rob Fischer led off with a home run over the left field wall. Saint Paul drew within one in the top of the ninth when Renick scored on a Nick Gretz double to left-center. Sioux City closer Sean Kramer was able to shut down the rest of the Saints lineup and save the win for the X's.
Sioux City starter Karsten Gaarder (1-2) picked up his first win of the season, throwing six innings, scattering nine hits but allowing only three runs, and striking out two. Kramer picked up his ninth save of the season, pitching the ninth inning, allowing one hit, one run, walking one and striking out three. Saint Paul starter Mike Meyer took the loss for the Saints, going six innings, giving up seven hits, five runs, three walks, and striking out two.
X's rookie JJ Burress continued his hot streak (6-15 in his last five) by going 2-4 with a double and single, and driving in one.
The X's will continue their seven game home stand Thursday night, when the red-hot St. Joe Blacksnakes come to Lewis and Clark Park. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m., with Aaron Marsden (1-2) will start for Sioux City and Donovan Graves (5-2) taking the mound for the âSnakes. Tickets can be purchased at www.xsbaseball.com, via the phone at 277-WINS or at the Lewis and Clark Box Office.
American Association Stories from July 5, 2006
- American Association recap - AA
- Canaries let one slip, 7-6 - Sioux Falls Canaries
- St. Joe finishes homestand in style - St. Joseph Blacksnakes
- X's take game three from Saint Paul - Sioux City Explorers
- Pelicans prove they're top Bird with dramatic win over Canaries - Pensacola Pelicans
- Canaries to hold street dance - Sioux Falls Canaries
- American Association Recaps - AA
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