The Sioux Falls Canaries scored six runs over the first two innings, but needed a late inning comeback effort to defeat the Sioux City Explorers by the final score of 7-6 on Wednesday night at Sioux Falls Stadium.

The Canaries wasted little time offensively, scoring four runs in the first inning against Sioux City’s starting pitcher, Cody Forsythe. The left-hander gave up a lead-off home run to Ethan Chapman in the bottom of the inning, with Blake Schmit capping off the big inning with a two-run blast of his own.

The Birds added two more runs in the bottom of the 2nd, with Chapman and Aaron Owen each scoring a run to make it a 6-0 Canaries lead.

Canaries starting pitcher Kris Regas put together another solid outing, but for the second straight start the veteran lefthander was unable to secure his 5th win of the season. Regas (4-7, 4.99 ERA) held the Explorer’s to four runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings, but left the game in the 6th with the bases load.

Relief pitcher Shawn Blackwell was the first out of the bullpen, but had a tough start to his night. The right-hander plunked the Michael Lang with the first pitch he threw, to allow the fourth Sioux City run of the night to score.

Sioux City would add two more run in the top of the 8th inning, with the Canaries defense committing a series of errors to allow the X’s to tie up the game at 7-7, but the tie would be short-lived. Chapman came up big with a one-out single to centerfield and later stole second base before Jake Taylor dropped a two-out, RBI single into the gap in right-center to give the Birds the lead back for good.

Canaries closer Jose Ortega wrapped up the game with a pair of strikeouts to earn his first save of the season.

Chapman has been red-hot at the plate for the Birds over the last two weeks. The outfielder has his safely in 12 of his last 16 games, going 21-for-53 (.396 AVG) at the plate while collecting 4 doubles, a triple and two home runs. The 26-year-old outfielder has also collected 9 RBI and 10 runs scored since August 8th.

The Canaries wrap up their season series against their I-29 rivals, the Sioux City Explorers on Thursday night at the Birdcage. The Birds will send out RHP Dylan Thompson (4-1, 2.15 ERA) to make his 6th start of the season in the series finale.

Thursday night is also Thirsty Thursday and College ID night at the Birdcage, sponsored by The Man Salon. Fans will enjoy our special Happy Hour prices all game long, including $2 domestic beers until the end of the 7th inning! 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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