The Lincoln Saltdogs dropped two out of three to Sioux Falls this week, losing 12-3 on Wednesday.  Lincoln drops to 48-45 on the season, 19-26 in the second half.

Sioux Falls scored three unearned runs in the second inning against Lincoln starter Cody Walden (0-1) to take the early lead, and then added two more runs in the fifth.  The Saltdogs tried to fight back in the sixth, getting a pair of two-out singles and a three-run home run from Juan Richardson to make it 5-3.  The Pheasants, however, scored two more runs in the bottom of the sixth, and then put the game away with five runs in the bottom of the eighth.

Richardson’s home run was his 14th of the season, and he now has 63 RBI.  Argelis Nunez went 2-for-3 with a walk for Lincoln, who managed just five hits in the contest.  The bottom five spots in the Saltdogs batting order went a combined 0-for-15.

After an off-day on Thursday, Lincoln returns home to open a three-game series against Sioux City that begins Friday night at 7:05.  Right-hander Jim Paduch is scheduled to make the start for the Saltdogs.

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