Amarillo Takes Series Opener 5-2 Over Road Weary Canaries

AMARILLO, TX -- After 14 hours on a bus, the Sioux Falls Canaries (26-48) finally arrived in the Lonestar State to take on the Amarillo Sox (22-49).  Fatigued and banged up physically, the Canaries kept the game close most of the way, but lost their edge in the 8th inning when Amarillo scored three runs to take the final lead and went on to win 5-2.

John Brebbia made his second straight Sunday start for the Canaries and pitched well.  The righthander allowed just two runs, one earned, in six innings on just four hits while striking out six and not issuing a walk.  Though he did not factor in the decision, Brebbia has been a versatile pitcher for the Birds this season in both starting and relieving roles and proved his value to the club again.

Clayton Tanner was equally impressive for the Sox, matching Brebbia by allowing two runs in six innings of work though he did not earn the win.  Kellen Moen improved to 3-6 by tossing a scoreless 8th and Randy Hamrick locked down the 9th for his second save.

The decisive runs for Amarillo came in the 8th inning.  After a scoreless 7th, Joe Testa walked two hitters to start the 8th and was pulled in favor of Kye Winter.  Winter's command wasn't sharp and he walked three batters with the bases loaded to give Amarillo their final 5-2 lead.

Offensively, the Birds were led by Brandon Jones who had three hits and an RBI.  Chris Valencia added a pair of hits for the Birds and Stephen Branca drove in the other run.

The series continues Monday night at 7:05 PM in Amarillo with ace Ben Moore on the mound for the Canaries.

Courtesy:  Sioux Falls Canaries