SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Sioux Falls Canaries (20-24) swatted back-to-back-to-back home runs in the first inning and cruised to a 9-2 win over the Saltdogs (15-29) in front of 2,018 fans at The Birdcage Tuesday night.
David Bergin, Richard Stock and Brian Humphries combined for three consecutive long balls to stake the Canaries to the early 4-0 lead.
Sioux Falls added two runs in the second to jump out 6-0 before Kevin McGovern induced an impressive 3-2-1 double play with the bases loaded to limit the damage.
McGovern (2-3) allowed a season-high nine runs on 12 hits in 6 2/3 innings to suffer the loss. Omaha native Joe Bircher (3-3) pitched 5 1/3 innings, yielding two runs – one earned – on five hits to earn the win.
Brian Joynt went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI in a losing effort.
The Canaries have scored 21 runs and slugged six home runs in taking the first two games of the four-game series.
Game three of the four-game series is Wednesday afternoon at 12:05. RHP Shairon Martis (2-1, 3.90) is slated to duel with RHP Shawn Blackwell (1-5, 3.60). It’s an online-only broadcast, with coverage commencing at noon on www.kfornow.com and with the KFOR and TuneIn mobile app.
The Saltdogs return home Friday, July 10 with a Fireworks Friday as they host Grand Prairie at 7:05 p.m. July 11 is a Souvenir Saturday featuring an Ameritas Red Saltdogs Jersey Giveaway and a 6:05 p.m. start time. Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.