X's Win Inaugural Meeting with Dogs
July 10, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
Rosemont, IL - The Sioux City Explorers won their first ever game with the Chicago Dogs by a final score of 3-2.
In the first ever meeting between the two franchises as the two teams came into the game as two of the hottest teams in the league the matchup did not disappoint.
The Explorers were treated to another fantastic start by right hander Justin Vernia. Vernia (7-1) picked up the win and now has five straight starts with a win. Vernia went 6 innings tonight allowing 2 runs only one was earned, while striking out 6 and not allowing a walk.
Both teams actually threatened to score in the first. Michael Lang roped a one out triple into centerfield but was unable to score. Kenny Wilson actually lead off the bottom of the first with a triple but Justin Vernia was able to strike out the next three batters that he faced to keep him there.
Sioux City actually did all their damage in the second inning. Jose Sermo lead the inning off with his tenth home run of the season over the center field fence to give the X's a 1-0 lead. After Jay Baum singled following Sermo, Dexture McCall hit a towering home run down the left field line and the 2-run shot, his second of the season gave Sioux City a 3-0 lead.
Chicago would get one back in the bottom of the frame. With two outs in the inning a fly ball by Tony Rosselli was dropped in the outfield as Austin and Lang almost ran into each other. Matt Dean then reached on a swinging bunt up the third base line on a ball that just stayed fair and then Rosselli scored on a Mike Falsetti single to make it 3-1 Sioux City.
Falsetti would get the Explorers again in the fourth inning when he would launch a solo home run, his second of the year. The only earned run that Vernia allowed on the night.
Tyler Fallwell came in in the seventh for Sioux City and pitched two scoreless innings. He was able to get out of a jam in the bottom of the eighth when there were runners at second and third for Chicago with only one out but he got two ground outs to end the threat.
Eric Karch (8) picked up the save tonight as he retired three of the four batters he faced in the ninth.
Sioux City is now 24-3 in games that they play on the road and have still not lost three games in a row at any point during the season.
The Explorers and the Dogs will play game two on Tuesday night with righty Luis Mateo on the mound for the X's and south paw Evan Smith going for Chicago with first pitch set for 7:05.
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