GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — The Saltdogs (22-25) scored in four of the final five innings but it wouldn't suffice in a 8-7 loss to the Grand Prairie AirHogs (19-29) in front of 802 fans at QuikTrip Park Saturday night.
Grand Prairie plated four runs in the top of the seventh inning to take the ultimate 8-5 lead, capped off by a Jimmy Mojica two-run single and a Lincoln error.
The Saltdogs rallied for four runs in the top of the fifth, keyed by four consecutive two-out singles to take a 4-3 lead.
Conor Spink (3-1) pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing four runs – three earned – on three hits while walking two and striking out one to take the loss. Spink had allowed just one earned run in 22 2/3 coming into Saturday.
Brett Wallach (3-0) gave up two runs in two innings to pick up the win. Dakota Watts worked the ninth, allowing an unearned run to get the save.
Kevin Howard went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, extending his hit streak to 11 games. Brian Joynt went 1-for-4 with two runs and a RBI to pull his hit streak to 11 as well.
Jeremy Hamilton, Matt Forgatch and Eddie Young all turned in multi-hit performances as Lincoln racked up 12 in total.
Saltdogs manager Ken Oberkfell was ejected in the bottom of the fourth for arguing balls and strikes.
Chad Mozingo had to leave the game in the fifth after being hit by a pitch on the foot.
The clubs decide the three-game series Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 1:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
The Saltdogs return home to Haymarket Park Monday, July 7 to take on Laredo at 7:05 p.m. Come out to the yard for Bark in the Park featuring Wachal Wiener Dog Nationals! Stop by the Home Run Terrace for "Yappy Hour" at 6 p.m. and enjoy $2 hot dogs and $2 Blue Blood Brewing Co. "6-4-3 Double Play Pilsner" on draft. Get your tickets now atwww.saltdogs.com.