LINCOLN, NE — A six-run fifth inning doomed the Saltdogs who fell 13-8, despite a late rally, to the Sioux City Explorers Friday night at Haymarket Park.
After both teams plated a run in the second inning, ‘Dogs starter Shairon Martis entered the fifth inning having given up seven runs and walked each of the three batters he faced before newly-signed Vincente Campos replaced him. All three inherited base runners ultimately scored, with two coming home on a single and the other scoring on a grand slam that put the X’s up 13-1.
The ‘Dogs showed late life, scoring seven unanswered runs across the final four frames.
After having his seven-game hitting streak broken the night before, Cody Regis belted a two-run homer to center field in the sixth and finished with a pair of RBI and runs scored.
Curt Smith and Randolph Oduber homered, sending solo shots out to left in the eighth and ninth respectively. Smith finished the night 2-for-4 — his 19th multi-hit game of the season.
Jake Hohensee, Austin Pettibone, Austin Boyle and Tyler Anderson all combined to toss four scoreless innings, but the ‘Dogs also walked a season-high nine batters over nine innings.
The ‘Dogs have lost four straight games for only the second time this year, and Game 2 of the three-game series is set for 7:05 p.m. on Friday night. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:35 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.