LINCOLN, Nebraska – John Bezdicek struck out a career-high 10 batters, but the ‘Dogs lost 3-2 to the Kansas City Monarchs at Haymarket Park on Saturday night.
The Monarchs (54-31) took a 1-0 lead on Ryan Grotjohn’s two-out RBI single that scored Pete Kozma in the 3rd inning.
Kansas City added to the lead with two runs in the 6th. With the bases loaded and two outs, Gio Brusa took ball four in a full count and Alexis Olmeda added an RBI single to make it 3-0.
Luke Roskam got Lincoln (39-47) on the board with his first Saltdogs homer on the first pitch of the 7th inning, and the ‘Dogs inched closer on Hunter Clanin’s sacrifice fly in the 8th.
Brandon Koch earned his second straight save with a 1-2-3 9th inning, and the Monarchs held on to win their seventh straight game.
Matt Hall pitched six scoreless innings and struck out 12. Bezdicek allowed three runs over 5 and 2/3 innings but took his third loss in five starts.
Jonathan Cheshire pitched 1 and 1/3 scoreless innings, while Carson Lance went 1-2-3 in the 8th and Steffon Moore pitched a scoreless 9th. The ‘Dogs bullpen has combined to toss 7 and 1/3 scoreless innings in this series.
With Sioux City sweeping a doubleheader against Winnipeg and Lincoln’s loss on Saturday night, the ‘Dogs are two games back of the Explorers with 14 games remaining.
The series concludes on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. and pregame coverage begins at 12:35 on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are playing their 21st season in Lincoln! Visit saltdogs.com and follow us @saltdogsball on all social media for information regarding tickets and promotions all season long.