ROSEMONT, Illinois – Josh Altmann hit his 23rd homer to move into second all-time for a single season in franchise history, but Chicago scored 10 unanswered runs and the Saltdogs lost 11-4 in the series opener at Impact Field on Monday night.
Altmann’s two-run blast gave Lincoln (47-40) a 2-0 lead in the 1st, but Greg Minier allowed a season-high seven runs on nine hits over four innings, and the ‘Dogs allowed 10-plus runs for the first time since July 20th.
Altmann is now four homers shy of tying Ian Gac’s single-season club recod of 27 set back in 2014, and he now leads the team with 62 RBIs.
The teams combined to hit five homers – and Edgar Corcino joined Altmann with a solo homer in the 7th inning. Chicago (55-32) got a three-run homer from Michael Crouse in a six-run 2nd inning, while Brennan Metzger hit a solo homer in the 4th and T.J. Bennett hit a solo shot in the 5th.
Justin Byrd reached twice and scored a run, while Ryan Long went 1-for-4 with an RBI double. Edgar Corcino had two hits and Zak Taylor went 1-for-4 in the nine spot. Curt Smith went 1-for-4 with a double.
Forrestt Allday went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts, ending his team-high five-game hitting streak.
Jake Hohensee allowed three runs – one earned – over two innings, and Keenan Bartlett allowed one in his first outing since July 31st. David Zoz tossed 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing one hit, two walks and two strikeouts.
Lincoln’s three-game road winning streak came to an end, and it was only the fourth loss over the last 18 road games. Chicago has now won five straight games and is a league-best 15-4 in August.
The series continues on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and pregame coverage will begin 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.