SIOUX FALLS, SD -- The Sioux Falls Canaries’ offense mustered just two hits in a 3-0 loss to the Sioux City Explorers Friday night, spoiling the Birds’ home opener before 3,521 fans at the BIrdcage.

Starting pitcher Jason Jarvis (1-0) was dominant for Sioux City, allowing only one hit and one walk in seven strong innings. Jordan Whatcott (0-1) took the tough-luck loss in his Canaries debut. He delivered a quality start, giving up just one unearned run on five hits and three walks over six innings.  He also fanned five.

Sioux City (2-0) broke a scoreless tie in the fourth when Bryan Pounds came home on a swinging bunt by Adrian Martinez.  Whatcott fielded the ball and threw home, but Canaries catcher Steve Domecus couldn’t hold onto the ball, and the Explorers took a 1-0 lead.

The Canaries squandered the few opportunities they had against Jarvis.  Leadoff batters reached in the fourth and fifth innings, only to see a double play groundout follow each time.

Jared Clark and J.P Ramirez had the only two hits for Sioux Falls (0-2).  Clark reached based twice with a single and a walk, while Ramirez added a double. Ramirez would have hit two home runs if not for a strong wind blowing in from right field.

Sioux City expanded the lead to 3-0 in the seventh when Peter Barrows hit a two-run home run to left field off Canaries reliever Chris Green.

Yusuke Inoguchi had two hits and a run scored for Sioux City, while Pounds doubled twice.

Explorers’ reliever Chris Bodishbaugh pitched a perfect ninth for his second consecutive save.

Game three of the four-game series is 7:05 p.m. on Saturday at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Courtesy:  Sioux Falls Canaries

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