SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Kyle Kinman gave up just one run over 7.1 innings, but the ‘Dogs struck out a franchise-record 20 times in a 2-1, 12-inning loss to the Sioux City Explorers in the series opener at MercyOne Field on Monday night.
Drew Stankiewicz won the game with an RBI single to left that scored Nate Samson from second – the ‘Dogs second extra-innings loss this year.
Kinman gave up only one run in his fifth start of the year – a sacrifice fly from Samson that tied the game in the 3rd. The ‘Dogs had taken the game’s first lead on Cody Regis’s run-scoring groundout in the 1st.
Kinman has now allowed just two runs – one earned – over his last three starts, stretching 20 innings.
Randolph Oduber went 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored, while Curt Smith also went 2-for-5 with a double. Cody Regis had a pair of his to extend his league-best 24-game on-base streak.
Christian Ibarra, John Sansone and Daniel Herrera all had three strikeouts, while Colton Burns struck out a season-high four times.
Austin Pettibone surrendered the game-winning run in the 12th inning, but the right-hander also worked around a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam in the 11th. The ‘Dogs played with five infielders to help record the first two outs before Michael Lang bounced back to Pettibone to end the inning.
Game 2 of the four-game series is scheduled for 7:12 p.m. on Tuesday night, and pregame coverage will begin at 6:40 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.