By: J.J. Hartigan

The Sioux Falls Canaries continued their three-game series with the Laredo Lemurs, dropping the Tuesday night tilt by the final score of 4-2 at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Canaries starting pitcher Ray Hanson made his third start of the season, but again left the game trailing after giving up four runs on five hits over six innings. Hanson (0-2, 8.83 ERA) gave up his first run of the night on a lead-off homerun to Lemurs first baseman Jesus Posso in the top of the 3rd inning. The Lemurs struck again in the top of the 6th when Dennis Phipps hits a two-run homer to give his team a 3-1 lead.

Hanson went back out to start the 7th inning, but left the game after walking lead-off batter J.D. Pulfer. Shawn Blackwell came out of the bullpen to make his first relief appearance of the season and retired the first batter he faced before giving up an RBI single to Alvaro Rendon.

Blackwell settled down after the base hit, tossing three solid innings in relief. The right-hander gave up three hits along the way, but worked his way out of a couple jams to give his team a chance in the late innings.

Lemurs starting pitcher Jose Nivar made his 2nd start of the season, and improved to 3-1 overall on the season after holding the Canaries offense to two runs, both un-earned, on seven hits. The hard throwing right-hander walked five batters over 5 2/3 innings, but recorded 4 strikeouts, working his way out of several big jams to hold the Canaries in check much of the night.

Kamakani Usui worked 2 1/3 innings for Laredo, holding the Birds scoreless and hitless while striking out four batters in relief before Luis De La Cruz closed out the game with a scoreless bottom of the 9th to pick up his first save of the season.

Ozney Guillen had a two hit night for the Birds, going 2-for-4 at the plate with a lead-off double in the bottom of the 4th inning. Cameron Monger also continued to swing a hot bat, going 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored. The left-fielder has now hit safely in seven of his last eight games, and has jump his batting average from .195 on July 18th up to a .242 season average after the loss on Tuesday night.

The Canaries go for the series win on Wednesday night in the series finale against the Laredo Lemurs with LHP Kris Regas (4-4, 5.57 ERA) making his 6th start of the season. Wednesday night is Home Town Hero Night, presented by Modern Woodmen of America. The Canaries will be honoring seven military veterans prior to the first pitch 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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