Five-Run Fourth Dooms Saltdogs
by Michael Dixon, Lincoln Saltdogs
LINCOLN, Nebraska – Patrick Caulfield had a two-run double, Matt Goodheart hit a solo homer, but the ‘Dogs walked 11 batters in an 11-5 loss to the Kansas City Monarchs at Haymarket Park on Saturday night.
The ‘Dogs took a 2-1 lead on an RBI single from J.R. DiSarcina and an RBI fielder’s choice from Randy Norris in the 2nd inning.
Goodheart’s homer gave Lincoln a 3-1 lead in the 3rd, but Matt Adams hit a grand slam and Casey Gillaspie had an RBI single in Kansas City’s five-run 4th – and the Monarchs (34-17) led the rest of the way.
Caulfield’s two-run double got Lincoln (25-25) within one run in the 5th inning, but Kansas City scored once in the 6th, two in the 7th and two in the 9th and the ‘Dogs lost for the first time when leading by multiple runs this season.
Elijah Johnson allowed two runs in 3 and 1/3 innings, but Josh Norwood took his first loss of the year after allowing four runs in 1/3 of an inning. Jonathan Cheshire allowed one unearned run in 2 and 1/3 innings, while Jesse Stallings allowed two unearned runs across one inning.
Carter Hope went 1-2-3 in the 8th inning, and Eddy Martinez allowed two runs in one inning.
Welington Dotel had a hit to extend his hitting streak to eight, and Matt Goodheart extended his hitting streak to five.
Kansas City’s Chad De La Guerra walked five times – an American Association record.
The series concludes on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. and pregame coverage begins at 12:35 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.