GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Christian Ibarra hit a grand slam, but the ‘Dogs let a lead get away in a 6-5, walk-off loss to the Texas AirHogs at AirHogs Stadium on Sunday night.
Ibarra’s grand slam came in the 2nd inning and turned a 3-1 deficit into a 5-3 lead after Kyle Kinman walked with the bases loaded to drive in his first professional RBI. The grand slam was Ibarra’s first of the year and Lincoln’s second this year.
After Javion Randle tied the game at five with an infield single in the 6th inning, Justin Byrd hit his second triple of the game to lead off the 9th. The ‘Dogs intentionally walked both Randle and Stewart Ijames to load the bases before Chen Junpeng hit a game-winning single to score Randle.
Brad Thoutt tossed 5.1 innings and allowed eight hits, five runs, four earned with two walks and eight strikeouts, while Tyler Anderson was charged with the first loss of his professional career.
Josh Mazzola walked twice and was hit by a pitch, while Kyle Kinman collected his first professional hit with a 4th-inning single.
Nick Schulz reached two more times – a hit-by-pitch and walk – and Coy Regis went 1-for-3 with a walk, single and a run scored.
The ‘Dogs have now lost five consecutive games and four straight in Grand Prairie.
Game 2 of the three-game series is scheduled for Monday night. First-pitch time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning 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.