KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Sioux City Explorers broke a 1-1 tie late in the game and went on to beat the Kansas City T-Bones, 2-1, Tuesday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Kansas City pitcher Joe Van Meter (1-1) replaced starter Blake Holovach in the top of the sixth inning, and cruised until the top of the ninth, when Sioux City took a 2-1 lead on a fielder’s choice by Brock Kjeldgaard that scored Michael Lang from third.

Although he took the loss, Van Meter gave up two runs and struck out four batters in four innings. That came on the heels of a strong performance by Holovach, who was making his regular-season debut for the T-Bones. Holovach’s only blemish came in the first inning, when Matty Johnson led off the game with a single, stole second and then advanced to third on a bad throw from catcher Brian Erie. Johnson came in to score the first run of the game on a sacrifice fly from Michael Lang.

Kansas City got on the board in the bottom of the third after C.J. Henry got his first hit of the season, a double to left center. Vladimir Frias reached on a bunt that moved Henry to third. Erie brought in Henry with a sacrifice fly that tied the game, 1-1.

Trailing 2-1 in the ninth, Adam Bailey singled with one out but was stranded after a long fly out by Kyle Robinson and a strikeout by Joe Rapp.

T-Bones right fielder Nate Tenbrink was ejected from the game in the top of the sixth for arguing balls and strikes, which caused several different fielding changes including shortstop Frias going to right field.

The T-Bones (1-3) and Explorers (3-2) are scheduled to continue their series at 7:05 Wednesday night. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.