SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Randy Norris had two hits and two RBIs, and the Saltdogs beat the Sioux City Explorers 7-2 in the rubber match of a three-game series at Mercy Field on Thursday night.
Lincoln (39-45) opened the scoring with an RBI triple from Matt Goodheart in the 2nd inning. Skyler Weber – in the lineup for the first time since Saturday – made it 2-0 with an RBI single later in the inning.
Sioux City (38-44) got on the board with Dylan Kelly’s RBI double in the bottom-half of the 2nd, but Garett Delano allowed just one run over 5 and 2/3 innings to win for the sixth time in his last 10 starts.
The ‘Dogs added to their lead with Ryan Long’s sacrifice fly in the 3rd, and Randy Norris made it 5-1 with a two-run double following a sac bunt from Weber in the 4th inning.
Lincoln scored twice more in the 6th. Weber picked up his second RBI with a run-scoring single and Justin Byrd made it 7-1 with Lincoln’s second sac fly of the night.
The Explorers got a run back on Gabe Snyder’s RBI single in the 8th, but the ‘Dogs held on and moved into a tie with Sioux City for the fourth and final playoff spot in the American Association West Division.
Lincoln had two triples in one game for only the second time this season – and first time since Norris tripled twice on July 14th at Cleburne.
David Zoz pitched 1 and 1/3 scoreless innings, while Carter Hope allowed one run in the 8th inning. R.J. Freure pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
The ‘Dogs return home for a weekend series against the Kansas City Monarchs starting Friday night. First pitch 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 21st season in Lincoln! Visit saltdogs.com and follow us @saltdogsball on all social media for information regarding tickets and promotions all season long.