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SIOUX FALLS, SD -- The Sioux Falls Pheasants’ offense was mostly quiet Friday night at the hands of due of Sioux City Explorers pitching, but Jake Taylor’s walk-off single gave the Pheasants a 4-3 victory on Friday night.

Cesar Nicolas’ leadoff single started the ninth inning, and with two outs Taylor’s single up the middle plated the winning run in front of 4,197 fans at Sioux Falls Stadium.

The Pheasants managed hits in just three innings and runs scored in two, but they overcame a solid pitching performance from Explorers starter Nick Schumacher (5-8). He was perfect through three innings, and didn’t allow a hit until Nicolas’ double to start the fifth inning.

The Pheasants racked up three runs in the fifth inning to take a 3-2 lead. Trevor Lawhorn’s sacrifice fly scored Nicolas, Al Quintana’s single plated Cristian Guerrero, who singled, and Joe Anthonsen also hit an RBI single to cap the frame.

“We got some big hits when we needed them and had some great pitching performances to take this win,” said Pheasants manager Steve Shirley. “Tonight we did just what was necessary to pull out the win.”

Sioux City tied it up with a two-out rally in the ninth inning. Peter Barrows doubled, and Jorge Delgado singled him in to tie it 2-2.

Despite blowing the save, Pheasants closer Alan DeRatt (4-7) ended up with the win. He allowed one run on two hits and added two strikeouts.

The game began as a pitchers duel, with the first run coming in the top of the fourth inning. Explorers’ designated hitter Adrian Martinez started the scoring with a solo home run. Sioux City extended their lead in the fifth inning on Barrows’ RBI single for a 2-0 advantage.

Pheasants starter Barry Fowler was effective in the no-decision. He allowed nine hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings, while striking out two and walking two.

“He gave us an opportunity to win this game,” said Shirley. “We needed him to go out and have that kind of game, because there weren’t going to be a lot of runs scored.”

Schumacher pitched the complete game and suffered the loss. He allowed all four runs, three earned, on seven hits, walking one and striking out eight.

“Schumacher has been doing this for a while and is pretty good at it,” said Shirley. “He was changing speeds and using a good breaking ball to keep us off balance.”

The middle game of the three-game series with Sioux City is at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, August 25 at Sioux Falls Stadium. “Kids FREE” continues. Two children 12-and-under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket ($12 seating) thanks to Sanford Children’s.

Courtesy:  Sioux Falls Pheasants

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