LINCOLN, Nebraska – Justin Byrd went 2-for-3 with a solo homer, Keenan Bartlett tossed his third quality start of the year, but a late Lincoln (21-23) rally fell short in a 3-2 loss to the Sioux City Explorers (28-17) at Haymarket Park on Wednesday night.
Byrd had his first multi-hit game since June 19th, and hit a solo homer in the 7th to cut Sioux City’s lead to 3-1. Yanio Perez drove in another run with an RBI single in the 8th, before the ‘Dogs put the tying run at second in the 9th. Forrestt Allday grounded out to end the game, and Matt Pobereyko earned his league-best 14th save.
Keenan Bartlett allowed just two runs over six innings – both coming in the 3rd on Jose Sermo’s 17th homer this year.
The X’s added another run on Blake Tiberi’s bases-loaded walk in the 7th, and the X’s held on for their second win of the series.
Carter Hope allowed his first run since June 13th, while Logan Lombana pitched a scoreless 8th and Josh Norwood pitched a scorless 9th.
Perez went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, and David Vidal went 1-for-3 with a walk.
The ‘Dogs have a chance to split the four-game set on Thursday. First pitch time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and pregame coverage begins at 6:35 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.