ST. PAUL -- The Sioux Falls Canaries opened up a seven-game road trip on Thursday night at Midway stadium, looking to snap a four game losing streak in the opening game of the series against the first place St. Paul Saints.

The Birds' looked capable of ending the season long drought, staking themselves to a 3-0 lead, but timely St. Paul hitting, and lackluster pitching from starter John Brebbia (1-1) and several relief pitchers spoiled the early lead with the Saints taking a 10-8 victory.

The Canaries put together their best offensive night of the season, posting eight runs on 12 hits, with all nine batters in the Sioux Falls lineup collecting at least one hit.

Drew Muren, who missed four of the first six games this season due to injury, returned to the lineup, making an immediate impact in the leadoff spot, collecting an extra-base hit and later scoring the first run of the game on a Carlos Mendez RBI double.

Mendez would drive in two more runs on a two-out, RBI single to center in the second, plating home Shelby Ford and Steven Branca.  The third baseman finished his night 2-for-5 at the plate, with a season high three runs batted in.

The Sioux Falls offense had Saints starter Nick Barnese (1-0) on the ropes early, but the right hander settled down, allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings to pick up his first win of the season.

Brebbia, who threw five shutout innings in his season debut against Sioux City last week, put together a 1-2-3 inning in the first against St. Paul, but would last just 3 2/3 innings in this start, giving up seven runs on eight hits to a potent Saints lineup.

Saints centerfield, Angelo Songco was one of four St. Paul batters who collected two or more hits in the game, finishing the night 3-for-5 at the plate with two doubles, a home run (1) and 3 RBI.

The two teams will continue their four-game series on Friday at 7:05pm, with Kyle Ruwe (0-1) taking the mound for Sioux Falls against Saints starter Cole Nelson (0-0).

 

Sioux Falls Canaries baseball
Sioux Falls Canaries
loading...

Courtesy:  Sioux Falls Canaries

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls