‘DOGS COME BACK LATE, RETURN TO SHARE OF FIRST PLACE

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Saltdogs (42-38) overcame a late three-run deficit to beat the Joplin Blasters (29-51) 5-4 at Joe Becker Stadium Monday night.

Lincoln moves back into a share of the Central lead with Sioux City, with 20 games remaining.

Trailing 4-2 heading into the top of the ninth, Luis Alen hit a two-out RBI single.

After falling into an 0-2 count, Jon Smith whacked the go-ahead two-run double to left center, two night’s after his pinch-hit walk off homer.

J.R. Bunda (1-0) struck out the side in a perfect eighth in his impressive ‘Dogs debut to earn the win.

Evan Reed worked a scoreless ninth for his 18th save in 18 opportunities.

Tyler Urps stroked an RBI single to right in the eighth, extending his hit streak to a season-long 12 games.

Ryan O’Sullivan yielded four runs in seven innings.

Brandon Jacobs and Curt Smith had two hits, Jon Smith and Alen each had three in a 14-hit onslaught for Lincoln.

The series continues Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. LHP Jeff McKenzie is expected to face LHP Wander Perez. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.