LINCOLN, Nebraska – Kyle Kinman struck out a season-high 10 batters over 6.2 innings, and Ryan Long broke a tie with a solo homer in the 8th inning and the Saltdogs held on for a 3-2, rain-shortened win over the Kansas City Monarchs at Haymarket Park on Friday night.
Kinman’s 10 strikeouts were the most for a Lincoln starter this year, and Long’s broke the tie against Kansas City reliever Brian Ellington – his first allowed this year – right before heavy rain fell and rendered the field unplayable.
The Saltdogs snapped a five-game skid and have won all three games against the Monarchs this year. Lincoln scored twice in the 2nd to take a 2-1 lead following Gabby Guerrero’s solo homer, and Kansas City tied the game on a fielder’s choice in the 7th.
Edgar Corcino extended his hitting streak to nine games with a single and a double, and Forrestt Allday walked two more times. Patrick Adams had an RBI single, and Skyler Weber hit a sacrifice fly – now with RBIs in seven of his last eight games.
Carter Hope earned the win, tossing 1.1 scorless in relief of Kinman. Kansas City starter Gregori Vasquez took a no-decision after six innings and two runs allowed.
The ‘Dogs have now won two rain-shortened games against Kansas City.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, and pregame coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are celebrating their 20th season at Haymarket Park this season! All ticket and promotional information can be viewed at saltdogs.com.