BOX SCORE GAME 1 | BOX SCORE GAME 2

SIOUX FALLS – The Sioux Falls Canaries split the doubleheader with the Houston Apollos Saturday night in record temperatures. The Birds won the first game 15-3 and fell in the second game 12-11. The fourth game of the series will take place at 2:05 pm at the Birdcage on Sunday.

Carlos Pimentel (2-1) was credited with the win in the afternoon game after pitching six innings. He struck out seven batters and allowed five hits and three runs. Nick Beardsley (0-2) was credited with the loss allowing eight runs, six hits and four walks.

The Canaries offense was blistering hot in the first game. Trey Michalczewski started the party with a grand slam in the second inning. Michalczewski was a problem for the Apollos with three hits, two runs and five RBI. New faces for the Birds took center stage and proved important in snagging the win. New third baseman Zane Gurwitz contributed two hits and three runs, and Shamoy Christopher scored twice and picked up four RBI.

The second game of the doubleheader ended in heartbreak for the Birds. Trying to rally back in the seventh inning, the Birds scored three runs and had the bases loaded with one out. The rally fell just a little short at 12-11.

Despite the loss, the offense was still electric for the Canaries. Mike Hart went deep for his sixth home run of the season. He, Angelo Altavilla and Wyatt Ulrich all scored two runs. The Canaries have now scored at least 11 runs in three of their last four games.

Eddie Medina (1-1) took the loss on the mound after allowing six runs (six earned) in 3.1 innings. Starter Matt Cronin (1-1) earned the win for the Apollos.

The teams will close the series Sunday at 2:05 pm. LHP Ty Culbreth (3-0, 2.12 ERA) is expected to start for the Birds. The starter for the Apollos is TBA.

Sunday is Princesses and Pirates Day at The Birdcage. FREE ADMISSION to any kid 12 and under who dresses like a princess or a pirate. It’s also Family Fun Day, when you can go ONLINE and get 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas for just 50 bucks… and you’ll save about 50 bucks! Best of all, fans can play catch in the outfield before the game and run the bases after the game.

For more information on the Canaries, follow the team on Twitter @canaries. To purchase tickets and for all other team information, visit sfcanaries.com. Media contact: joey@sfcanaries.com.

By Joey Zanaboni, Sioux Falls Canaries