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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (June 5, 2019) – The Cleburne Railroaders had leads of 5-3 and 7-6, but couldn’t hold either as the Sioux Falls Canaries rallied for an 8-7 win on Wednesday night at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Kevin Taylor had the big hit for the Canaries (10-8) grounding one off the glove of Cleburne first baseman Jonathan Rodriguez that scored the tying and go-ahead runs in the bottom of the eighth. It capped a wild night of scoring that started in the bottom of the first with three Sioux Falls runs, two of which were unearned against Cleburne starter Nefi Ogando. After the first inning, Ogando retired 14 in a row, giving the ‘Roaders offense time to strike.

In the top of the fifth, Chase Simpson got Cleburne on the board with an RBI single to score Nick Rotola. Kenny Meimerstorf smacked an RBI double off the right field wall to trim the lead to 3-2, then John Nester put Cleburne in front with a two-out, two-run single.

The Railroaders (9-10) had a big opportunity to put the game out of reach in the top of the sixth, loading the bases with nobody out. But a Rodriguez double play and a fly out from Meimerstorf ended the inning just two pitches later.

After Ogando retired the first two hitters in the sixth, the next six Canaries reached base, scoring three runs in the process to retake a 6-5 lead.

Cleburne scored twice in the top of the eighth to move in front one again. Meimerstorf lined a game-tying RBI single, then a wild pitch from Trevor Jaunich scored Jonathan Rodriguez to give the Railroaders a 7-6 lead.

In the bottom of the inning with two outs and a runner at first, Edward Cruz (0-1) issued a walk and hit Mike Hart to load the bases, setting the stage for Taylor’s big hit against closer Tyler Wilson.

Reilly Hovis closed the game out with a scoreless ninth, striking out the side to secure his first save. Kevin Simmons (2-0) picked up the win by recording the final out in the top of the eighth.

The Railroaders and Canaries conclude their series on Thursday at 12:05. Eudis Idrogo (1-1, 7.71) gets the start for Cleburne, while Sioux Falls will counter with left-hander Spencer Herrmann (0-0, 6.23).

For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.

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