SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota – Curt Smith had three hits and two runs scored, but the ‘Dogs gave up game-tying grand slam and a two-run homer in a 7-5, walk-off loss to the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium on Saturday night.
Smith’s three hits gave him his 14th multi-hit game of the year – more than any other ‘Dog – and Lincoln broke out for 12 hits altogether.
Lincoln took a 5-1 lead into the 9th before Jose Ortega walked two batters and hit another to load the bases with nobody out. Jake Hohensee came on and Adrian Nieto tied the game with a grand slam before Alay Lago singled to set up Clint Coulter for a walk-off, two-run homer.
The loss was Lincoln’s first in 13 games when leading after eight innings this year, and the ‘Dogs have lost four consecutive games on the roadtrip.
Lincoln scored four times in the 1st inning. Christian Ibarra led off the game with his fourth homer of the year, Cody Regis hit a two-run shot and Tyler Moore later singled in another.
The Canaries struck for a run in the 6th when Jordan Ebert singled in Nieto, but John Sansone clubbed a two-out double down the left-field line to score Curt Smith and extend the lead back to four in the 8th.
The ‘Dogs loaded the bases with nobody out in the 9th, but couldn’t convert before the Canaries scored six to win for the 11th time in 13 games in June.
Kyle Kinman worked five scoreless innings, and has allowed just one unearned run over his last 25 innings. Austin Boyle gave up one run over one inning, while Cam McVey and Austin Pettibone both posted scoreless frames.
The ‘Dogs wrap up the series and seven-game roadtrip at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Pregame coverage will begin at 12:35 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.