LINCOLN, Nebraska – John Brownell tossed seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, but the ‘Dogs blew their seventh save of the year in a 3-2 loss to the Sioux City Explorers at Haymarket Park on Saturday night.
Brownell exited with a 2-0 lead after seven innings and Austin Pettibone came on in relief. After the X’s put two on and two out, Cam McVey came in to face Jose Sermo, who hit a three-run homer on a 3-0 pitch out to left-center field. Sermo now has eight RBI over the first two games of the series.
Tyler Moore hit a two-run homer to open the scoring in the 2nd inning – his fifth of the season.
The ‘Dogs went through Brownell’s seven innings providing just three hits of support. Moore’s homer was the first, Daniel Herrera hit a one-out single in the fifth and Randolph Oduber singled in the sixth before he was caught stealing to end the inning.
Oduber’s single now gives him hits in eight straight games – tied for the longest streak a ‘Dog has had in 2019 and matching his eight-game streak to begin the season.
Evan Korson worked a 1-2-3 9th inning with a strikeout, lowering his ERA to 0.95. The homer Cam McVey allowed was his fourth homer allowed this year, and all have come within the last five appearances.
The ‘Dogs have lost five straight for the first time this season and now sit a season-worst three games below .500.
Lincoln tries to avoid a second straight sweep on Sunday evening. First pitch time is set for 5:05 p.m. and pregame coverage begins at 4:35 p.m. on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are playing their 19th season in Lincoln. All ticket and promo information can be found at saltdogs.com, and follow the ‘Dogs on Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.