The Sioux Falls Canaries lost their seventh straight game on Tuesday night after dropping the opening game of the three-game series to the Gary-Southshore Railcats by the final score of 11-4 at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Railcats starting pitcher Charle Rosario earned his fourth win of the season, holding the Canaries offense to three runs on 10 hits over five innings. The right-hander held the Birds’ scoreless over the first four innings, but ran into trouble in the bottom of the fifth. Rosario (4-1, 3.17 ERA) gave up back-to-back single to Blake Schmit and Ozney Guillen before giving up a three-run homerun to Jake Taylor, giving the Birds their first lead of the night.

Canaries starting pitcher Matt Bywater suffered the loss after giving up four runs on four hits over five innings. Bywater (0-2, 6.75 ERA) struggled with his command much of the night, walking six batters, but allowed only one run until the top of the sixth. The left hander walked lead-off batter Elbert Devarie, and a double to Jarred Mederos before Tillman Pugh launched a three-run homerun over the wall in left to give the Railcats a 4-3 lead.

Relief pitcher Josh Ferrell also struggled with his command, walking four batters over two innings of work. The left-hander allowed three runs on three hits while striking out two batters. Kris Regas also worked two innings in relief, giving up four runs on four hits, walking one and striking out one.

Pugh led the Railcats offensive attack, going 3-for-6 with five RBI and three runs scored. Former Canaries infielder Frank Martinez made his debut with the Railcats on Tuesday night, going 2-for-5 with four RBI and a walk.

Guillen had another good night at the plate for the Birds, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Schmit extended his hitting streak to nine games after going 2-for-5 at the plate with a stolen base and a run scored.

The Series continues on Wednesday night with the Canaries sending out LHP Joe Bircher (0-3, 2.61 ERA) to make his sixth start of the season against Railcats RHP Richard Castillo (2-1, 4.88 ERA). Wednesday night is Wacky Wednesday and Hawaiian Luau Night at the Birdcage, with the first 100 fans receiving a free lei. Contact the Canaries ticket office for information regarding single game or season ticket options by calling 605-336-6060 or visit the website at www.sfcanaries.com for more information.

Written By: J.J. Hartigan

More From KKRC-FM / 97.3 KKRC