JOPLIN, Mo. — After the Saltdogs (31-58) rallied to take a ninth-inning lead, the Joplin Blasters (47-42) quickly responded with two runs to walk off and win the rubber game 4-3 in front of 2,408 fans at Joe Becker Stadium Wednesday night.
Mike Gilmartin capped off the three-run ninth inning rally with a sacrifice fly to left, scoring C.J. Ziegler to give Lincoln the 3-2 edge.
Following two singles and a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the ninth, Aaron Brill flared a game-winning, two-run single to right.
Casey Collins pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one hit over his final six frames after serving a two-out homer to Matt Padgett in the opening inning.
Juan Medina went 2-for-4 in the losing effort.
The Saltdogs return to Haymarket Park to begin their final home stand of the summer Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. against the Sioux Falls Canaries. RHP Jesse Smith is expected to square off against RHP Shawn Blackwell. Radio coverage begins at 6:05 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
Get your tickets now for Thirsty Thursday featuring $1 beer specials and Pepsi products at www.saltdogs.com.