SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota – Curt Smith hit the first grand slam of the year, and the ‘Dogs rallied to sweep the Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium on Monday night.
After the ‘Dogs continued Game 2 from Sunday and picked up in the fourth inning of an eventual 14-9 win Monday evening, Smith hit a grand slam that flipped a two-run deficit into a two-run lead with the ‘Dogs down to their final strike in the finale.
Smith’s grand slam was his third homer of the series, and the seven-year Saltdog finished with three homers, three doubles and 12 RBIs in the three-game set.
Shairon Martis gave up a run but clinched the sweep with his first save and Lincoln’s first save as a team since June 22nd in the 7th inning.
The ‘Dogs began the evening up 7-5 in the 4th inning of Game 2, which got through three complete innings on Sunday before rain forced a suspension. After scoring a season-high 15 runs in the series opener on Saturday, the ‘Dogs scored 14 more times in Game 2.
In the second game, Ivan Marin hit a bases-clearing triple and added his second homer of the year. After Tyler Anderson started the game Sunday, John Brownell picked up the resumed game in the 4th inning and earned his fifth win of the year – allowing four runs over 4.2 innings.
The ‘Dogs used six different relievers to pitch in the second game, and Smith also had two doubles and a run scored.
The sweep is Lincoln’s first of the year on the road, and the ‘Dogs now sit 1.5 games back of Sioux Falls for fourth place in the division. Lincoln has won four consecutive games against the Canaries with a combined score of 47-19.
The ‘Dogs return home to begin a six-game homestand on Tuesday night against the Sioux City Explorers. First-pitch time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and pregame coverage begins 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.