Explorers Rally in Ninth to Down Saltdogs
by Michael Dixon, Lincoln Saltdogs
LINCOLN, Nebraska – Patrick Caulfield hit his first professional home run, but the ‘Dogs allowed three runs in the 9th inning and dropped the rubber match of a five-game series, 7-4, to the Sioux City Explorers at Haymarket Park on Thursday night.
Sioux City (24-34) opened the scoring with two runs in the 1st inning. Danry Vasquez hit an RBI single and Ademar Rifaela drove a sacrifice fly, and the X’s scored first for the fifth time in the series.
The ‘Dogs (28-32) tied the game in the 3rd. Hunter Clanin scored Randy Norris with an RBI double before Ryan Long’s RBI groundout made it 2-2.
The Explorers regained the lead on Zack Kone’s RBI double in the 4th, and Nate Samson’s RBI single made it 4-2 in the 5th.
Caulfield’s homer got Lincoln within a run in the 7th inning, and Ryan Long later tied the game with a sacrifice fly.
Sioux City’s Sebastian Zawada broke a 4-4 tie with a leadoff homer in the 9th before Zack Kone scored on an error from Randy Norris at first base and Trey Martin extended the lead with a sacrifice fly.
Kyle Kinman pitched seven innings and allowed four runs on seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts. Matt Cronin allowed three runs – two earned – over an inning and 1/3, while David Zoz allowed two inherited runners to score in 2/3rds on an inning.
The ‘Dogs now hit the road for a quick three-game series against the Lake Country DockHounds. First pitch from Oconomowoc, WI is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., and pregame coverage begins at 6:05 on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are playing their 21st season in Lincoln! Visit saltdogs.com and follow us @saltdogsball on all social media for information regarding tickets and promotions all season long.