LINCOLN — The Saltdogs (42-36) scored six runs in the first inning and cruised to a 10-5 victory over the Sioux Falls Canaries (27-54) in front of a season-high crowd of 6,039 fans at Haymarket Park Sunday evening.
After allowing two solo home runs in the top of the first, the first six hitters to come to the plate for Lincoln scored in the the half-dozen run onslaught.
Matt Forgatch kicked off the festivities with a solo homer to left. Brian Joynt and Chris Anderson also added RBI singles and Brandon Pinckney launched a three-run double to right center.
Nick Green (3-4) was wobbly at times, but lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up five runs on eight hits to pick up the win. Jhonny Montoya entered the game with the bases loaded and two out in the sixth, and struck out the dangerous Chris Duffy on three pitches to keep Lincoln's lead at 8-5.
Jon Gaston bashed a mammoth homer to right center in the sixth, that hit off the scoreboard's protective netting for his seventh long ball.
Six players collected multi-hits as the 'Dogs racked up 13 hits, improving to 8-2 in August and maintaining a share of first place in the Central division.
Matt Wickswat (2-7) pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits to suffer the loss.
The Saltdogs open a three-game series with Wichita (55-24) Monday night at 7:05 p.m at Haymarket Park. RHP Zachary Varce (5-6, 3.51) will face RHP Jon Link (10-2, 3.27). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240 with "At the Ballpark" and "The Obie Show."
Monday night is the final "Bark in the Park," where fans can bring their dogs to the game. Wachal Wiener Dog Nationals will run as well. Great seats are still available at www.saltdogs.com.