LINCOLN, Nebraska – Ryan Long hit his first homer of the year, Hunter Clanin drove in a run with a triple, and Saltdogs took the first series of 2022 with a 7-3 win against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Haymarket Park on Sunday afternoon.
Clanin opened the scoring with his triple in the second inning, and Sherman Graves singled Clanin in for his first ‘Dogs RBI right after.
After Josh Altmann extended the lead with a sacrifice fly in the third, Long hit a leadoff shot in the sixth. Later on, Jacob Olson picked up his first RBI with a single and J.R. DiSarcina drove in a pair with a two-out single – his first two RBIs of the year.
Ex-MLB’er Brandon Cunniff tossed three scoreless innings with two hits, four walks and five strikeouts in only his second professional start, while David Zoz, Steffon Moore and Carson Lance combined for three shutout innings in relief. Jesse Stallings inherited a 7-0 lead in the ninth, but allowed three two-out runs to score.
Long went 2-for-4, while Clanin went 1-for-3 with the RBI triple and a walk. All but one ‘Dogs starter reached safely, and Lincoln left only four runners on base.
The ‘Dogs have won a series at home to open the year for the first time in franchise history, and Lincoln has Monday off before starting a six-game road trip in Chicago on Tuesday.
First pitch time for the series opener is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and pregame coverage will begin at 6:30 on Lincoln’s ESPN, 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.