Saltdogs Comeback Thwarted in Extra Innings
by Michael Dixon, Lincoln Saltdogs
LINCOLN, Nebraska – Hunter Clanin hit a three-run homer as part of a four-run inning to tie the game in the 9th, but the Saltdogs allowed five in the 10th in a 17-12 loss to the Gary SouthShore RailCats at Haymarket Park on Monday night.
The RailCats (28-42) took a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning. Michael Woodworth opened the scoring with an RBI groundout before Victor Nova’s RBI single made it 2-0. Sherman Graves, in his return to Haymarket Park, added a third run with a two-out double.
Lincoln (32-38) then scored the next six runs. Matt Goodheart made it 3-1 with an RBI single in the 2nd inning, and Rayder Ascanio’s two-run double tied the game in the 3rd.
The ‘Dogs took their first lead in the 4th, when Ryan Long drove in Drew Devine with an RBI double. Later, with the bases loaded and two outs, Graves misplayed a Welington Dotel pop-up to the first that scored two more and made it 6-3.
The ‘Cats immediately tied it in the 5th. Daniel Lingua’s solo homer made it 6-4, and with two outs Nova and LG Castillo both scored when Welington Dotel dropped what would have been the final out of the inning at the base of the wall in right field.
Lincoln regained control in the 5th. Goodheart led off the inning with a walk and eventually scored on a wild pitch, and Devine made then made it 8-6 with a sacrifice fly.
The RailCats scored once in the 6th and 7th innings. Tom Walraven scored on an error from Ryan Long, and Graves later tied the game with an RBI single.
The RailCats took a 12-8 lead into the 9th inning. Clanin’s homer made it 12-11 before Long scored on an error to tie the game.
Gary SouthShore took a 13-12 lead on Marriaga’s single in the 10th, and later Jackson Smith hit a grand slam to make it 17-12.
The ‘Dogs loaded the bases with nobody out in the 10th, but the game ended when the RailCats turned a 4-6-3-5 triple play.
The ‘Dogs and RailCats continue the series on Tuesday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m., and can be heard live on ESPNLincoln.com as well as AABaseball.TV.
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.