By Scott Lemon

The Sioux Falls Canaries mounted a ninth inning comeback, but their attempts came up just short as they fell 3-2 to the Texas AirHogs on Saturday night.

The Canaries jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the second inning. Cameron Monger hit a line drive homer over the wall in right as the Birds opened the scoring 1-0.

The AirHogs battled back in the top of the third inning. Cory Morales reached with a leadoff single, then advanced to third on a Michael Hur single. Juan Sanchez drove in Morales on an error by B.J. Guinn, as the ball scooted under his glove and into the left field grass to tie the game at one. Michael Hur then came around to score on a Devon Rodriguez double as Texas took the lead 2-1.

Texas tacked on one more in the sixth. Burt Reynolds led off with a double, then came around to score on Brian Bistagne’s RBI single to push the lead to 3-1.

Starter Stephen Bougher (1-6, 4.44 ERA) kept the game close throughout. He pitched six solid innings, only allowing three runs to score (two earned), on five hits and struck out five.

The Canaries started their comeback attempt in the seventh inning. After Josh Ferrell shut down the Hogs1-2-3 in the top of the seventh, the Birds’ bats came alive. Blake Schmit earned his way on with a one-out walk, then advanced to second on a David Bergin flyout. J.C. Linares then roped a single to right, as Schmit hustled home to cut the lead to one at 3-2.

Sioux Falls would have one final push in them on Saturday. Schmit and Bergin were sat down quickly for the first two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Linares, however, smoked at double to the gap in right center, then scampered over to third on a wild pitch. Monger tagged a pitch to straightaway center, but Texas centerfielder Hur was able to track it down for the final out to end the ballgame.

The Canaries wrap up their series against Texas on Sunday afternoon. The Canaries will send Ray Hanson (0-3, 9.13 ERA) to the mound to face lefty David Russo (1-3, 2.97 ERA). Sunday is Bark in the Park day at the Birdcage. Fans can bring their furry friends to the ballpark, as tickets for dogs are just $5. Sunday is also Family Day, as kids will get to run the bases and get autographs from their favorite players as well. Contact the Canaries ticket office for information regarding single game or season ticket options by calling 605-336-6060 or visit the website at www.sfcanaries.com for more information.

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