LINCOLN, Nebraska – Ricky Knapp allowed just two runs over seven innings and earned his first win since June 21st, and the ‘Dogs swept the Canaries with a 4-2 win on Sunday night at Haymarket Park.
Knapp allowed just six hits with one walk and four strikeouts in his longest start since July 7th, and the ‘Dogs have a season-long seven-game winning streak at home.
Curt Smith opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the 1st inning before Clint Coulter tied the game on a solo homer in the 2nd.
The Canaries took their first lead of the series when Burt Reynolds scored on a groundout in the 5th, but the ‘Dogs tied the game with an unearned run in the 6th when a two-out error from shortstop Andrew Ely allowed Christian Ibarra to score.
Lincoln took the lead for good in the 7th. With two on and nobody out, Ivan Marin attempted a sacrifice bunt when the throw to first hit his back and rolled down the right-field line. Nick Schulz scored the go-ahead run, and Ibarra later added another with a sacrifice fly.
Reese Gregory earned his second save of the series with a scoreless 8th and 9th innings. He struck out Josh Rehwaldt with the tying run at second to end the game.
Marin now has hits in eight consecutive games – the longest active streak for a Saltdog. Christian Ibarra has reached safely in 21 straight.
The ‘Dogs continue a season-long nine-game home stand with a three-game series against the Chicago Dogs beginning Monday. First-pitch time is set 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 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.