Written By: J.J. Hartigan

The Sioux Falls Canaries scoreless drought reached 18 innings after losing to the St. Paul Saints by the final score of 7-0 on Wednesday night at CHS Field.

Starting pitcher Shawn Blackwell returned to the mound just five days after taking a line drive off his head in a start at home against the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Blackwell (5-4, 7.08 ERA) had a tough outing, giving up six runs on eight hits, and did not record a strikeout for the second consecutive start. The right-hander left the game after four innings, trailing 6-0.

The Birds’ turned to LHP Billy Waltrip, who turned in a great performance, striking out three batters over two shutout innings. The Canaries also got two strong innings from RHP Lance Fairchild, who allowed one run on three hits in his third relief appearance of the season.

Saints starting pitcher Robert Coe put together a dominating performance, holding the struggling Canaries offense to just four hits over eight shutout innings. Coe (7-1, 3.44 ERA) tossed 4 1/3 no-hit innings before giving up a one-out single to Canaries catcher Michael Pair. The right-hander locked back in, forcing the next batter, Ethan Chapman, to ground into an inning ending double play.

The Canaries had another threat going in the top of the 6th inning, with Darwin Perez and Jake Taylor collecting back-to-back singles. The Birds’ threat ended without a run after David Bergin and J.C. Linares both flying out to end the inning.

Pair finished the night going 1-for-3 at the plate, and has now hit safely in three of his last four games played. Taylor finished the night 1-for-1 with two walks and a single.

The three-game series wraps up on Thursday night with LHP Joe Bircher (1-5, 3.29 ERA) making his 10th start of the season against Saints RHP Eric Veglahn (1-2, 4.02 ERA).

The Canaries return home on Tuesday, July 19th when they open up a three-game series against their North Division rivals, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Tuesday night is NAVY NIGHT at Sioux Falls Stadium. The Navy Rock Band “HORIZON” will play a special pre-game show with other musical guests throughout the night. 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.

More From KYBB-FM / B102.7