The Sioux City Explorers open the Northern League baseball season tonight when they visit the Lincoln Saltdogs. The Explorers are coming off their most successful season in franchise history which saw the fall to Winnepeg in the league championship series. Jay Kirkpatrick takes over as manager. He had previously served as a first baseman and designated hitter, and says all they have to do is play .500 ball on the road and win two out of three at home. Kirkpatrick describes this years team as “scrappy”. He says they don’t have any power hitters, so they’ll get runs any way they can.Kirkpatrick says the batting order is solid from one to nine.Adam Springston leads a solid pitching staff but Kirkpatrick still needs a closer.The X’s home opener will be Monday night against the Saint Paul Saints.
