The Sioux Falls Canaries secured a hard-fought 12-10 victory against the Lake Country DockHounds in a ten-inning showdown, marking their ninth triumph in their last ten contests. This thrilling encounter saw the Canaries build a significant lead early on, only to face a relentless comeback effort from the DockHounds, culminating in a dramatic extra-inning resolution. The team's resilience and offensive prowess were key factors in overcoming their opponents, extending their winning streak to four games.
The Canaries initiated their scoring in the second inning with two runs, generated by walks from Scott Combs and Mike Hart with bases loaded. The following inning, Sioux Falls exploded for six more runs, sending eleven batters to the plate. Michael Curialle contributed with a bases-loaded walk, Joe Vos drove in two runs with a single, and both Combs and Grady Mee added RBI singles. Josh Rehwaldt capped off the impressive inning with a sacrifice groundout, establishing a commanding lead.
Despite the Canaries' early offensive surge, the DockHounds began their comeback in the bottom of the third with a three-run homer. Sioux Falls momentarily extended their lead to six runs in the fourth inning through a groundball double play. However, Lake Country continued to chip away at the deficit, adding three more runs in the fifth, narrowing the score to 9-6, which held until the ninth inning. Combs then launched a solo home run in the top of the ninth, seemingly giving the Canaries a comfortable four-run cushion.
However, the DockHounds displayed remarkable grit in the bottom of the ninth, staging a furious rally. Facing their final strike twice, Lake Country managed to score four runs, dramatically tying the game and forcing extra innings. The tension escalated into the tenth inning, where Chase Engelhard, starting at second base, advanced on an Anthony Sharkas bunt. An errant throw into right field allowed Engelhard to score, and another miscue attempting to catch Sharkas at third base permitted him to cross home plate, securing the decisive runs.
These crucial runs proved to be all that Kody Dalen required, as he efficiently retired all three batters he faced in the bottom of the tenth, earning his inaugural professional save. Engelhard concluded the game with three hits, while Combs added two, showcasing their offensive contributions. Christian Edwards delivered a season-best performance, striking out eight over six innings. The Canaries, now holding a 35-28 record, aim to clinch the series in their upcoming game on Wednesday at 6:35 PM, seeking to maintain their impressive momentum.
