The Lincoln Saltdogs could barely dent the Wichita pitching staff on Friday, losing 5-1 to the Wingnuts in Game Three of the American Association North Division Series.  Lincoln now trails the best-of-five series two games to one.

The Saltdogs had no answer for Wichita starter Derek Blacksher (1-0), who allowed just four hits and a walk over 7.2 innings of work.  Lincoln only advanced a runner to second twice against Blacksher, and managed just one extra-base hit against the righty.  The Dogs did break up the shutout with two out in the ninth aganst the Wingnuts bullpen, on an RBI double by Rafael Alvarez.

Wichita scored its first run in the third inning off Lincoln starter Tim Brown (0-1), who did escape further damage in the frame by inducing an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded.  The Wingnuts added two more in the fourth to chase Brown, and scored their final two runs in the fifth off of reliever Gregorio Martinez.

Alvarez and McGill each had a double for the Saltdogs, who totaled just five hits overall.  On the mound, Martinez allowed just one earned run in four innings of relief.

Lincoln will try to avoid elimination in game four of the best-of-five series Saturday night at 7:05 in Wichita.  Righty Justin Knoff will make the start for the Saltdogs.

For more team information, go to www.saltdogs.com.