BOX SCORE

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Sioux Falls Canaries (12-11) got back on track Saturday night in Jackson, downing the Winnipeg Goldeyes by a final of 11-4. Nick Gotta reached five times in the victory as the Birds forced a 1 pm rubber match on Sunday.

Ty Culbreth (5-0) stayed perfect on the season, earning the win on the mound with six solid innings. The lefty allowed a first-inning home run to Max Murphy that made the score 2-0 but settled in after to limit the Goldeyes (8-13) to just seven hits and one walk. He struck out five en route to his fifth victory.

The Birds got to his counterpart Christian James (1-2) early and often. Charlie Valerio belted his first home run of the season off the righty to make it 2-1 in the second. Jabari Henry sent a third inning missile to left center in the third that scored three. His double was just the beginning. The Canaries added three more in the frame to run the lead to 7-3.

Gotta, along with Valerio, was the key piece for the offense. Getting his first start at third base this season, he played excellent defense while piecing together three base hits, two walks and two RBIs. He is now in third in the American Association with 20 walks this season.

Valerio also drew a pair of walks and scored three times. Trey Michalczewski had two hits and an RBI. Wyatt Ulrich racked up a hit and two runs scored. Charlie Hasty and Robbie Gordon combined for three innings of scoreless, one-hit relief to finish the evening.

The teams will decide the series with a rubber match at 1 pm CT Sunday. RHP Tyler Garkow (1-2, 6.47 ERA) is expected to start for the Canaries. RHP Joey Gonzalez (1-2, 8.55 ERA) is expected to start for the Goldeyes.

The Canaries will be back home on Tuesday, June 15th to start a series against the Miluakee Milkmen. Tuesday night will be another Groovy Tunesday! Fans will listen to some awesome Yacht Rock while enjoying an exciting game. Tuesdays are also “Nacho Tuesdays”. Buy one order of Nachos and get the second order for half price.

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