Pheasants Drop Home Finale

SIOUX FALLS, SD -- The Sioux Falls Pheasants had plenty of opportunities to score runs on Sunday night, but could only bring home one in their 2-1 loss to the Sioux City Explorers in their 2012 home finale.  The Pheasants still won the three-game series, but Sioux City captured the season series, winning eight of 14 contests.

The Pheasants (42-51) left seven total runners on base, and six were left in scoring position as Sioux City starter Jason Jarvis (7-8) notched a complete-game victory before 4,050 fans at Sioux Falls Stadium.

One of the runners was Reggie Abercrombie, who stole his 72nd career base with Sioux Falls in the eighth inning, breaking a club record held by Michael Dumas (1996-1997). He has five steals in 24 games this season.

Sioux City scored right away in the first inning. Peter Barrows hit a ball to left field that bounced over Jared Bolden’s glove, in an RBI triple for Barrows.

The Pheasants tied the game in the bottom of the first inning when Reggie Abercrombie slapped an RBI double to collect his 25th RBI.

Sioux City came back in the top of the 2nd inning and scored the go-ahead run. Yusuke Inoguchi singled to lead off the frame and made it to 3rd base on a stolen base and error. He was then brought home as Mike Bisenius grounded out to 2nd base, taking a 2-1 lead.

The Pheasants had their chances to tie it up. Lead off men reached base in the third, fourth and fifth innings, but Jarvis held off the Birds.

“He was able to throw his changeup for strikes, and kept the ball down when he needed to,” said Pheasants pitching coach Mike Meyer. “He did a great job, especially when he was in a jam with runners in scoring position.”

Jarvis allowed just one run on five hits while walking two and striking out six.

Pheasants starter Rod Scurry (5-7) nearly matched Jarvis but was a tough-luck loser. He shut out Sioux City after the second inning to keep the Pheasants in the ballgame. He pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out eight in his third consecutive quality start.

Sunday was the final home game for the Pheasants, who finished 28-22 at the Birdcage.

“It’s a big advantage for us here at the Birdcage,” said Meyer. “Ever since [Pheasants manager] Steve [Shirley] got here, we’ve built our roster to play here at the Birdcage. Our starting pitchers feel comfortable pitching at this hitter’s stadium, and we know how to pitch here and keep the ball down. On the offensive side, our guys feel comfortable, and just try to get the ball on the barrel and try not to do too much. That’s why we can usually go out there and score more runs than our opponents.”

The Pheasants play their last seven games on the road. They have a day off on Monday before traveling to Grand Prairie to take on the AirHogs  at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday.

Courtesy:  Sioux Falls Pheasants