SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Lincoln Saltdogs smacked a season-high 16 hits and beat the Sioux Falls Canaries 10-1 on Saturday night.
Brandon Jacobs continued his hot streak by smashing two home runs to deep center. The slugger has pounded four home runs in the last four games and leads the league with six long balls. The Saltdogs (9-7) set season highs in hits and in margin of victory with the nine-run thrashing.
Lincoln opened the game with offense. The middle of the lineup combined to notch five consecutive hits in the first inning, including a three-run shot by Jacobs. The Saltdogs led 5-0 before Sioux Falls could get an at bat.
It looked like it could be a slugfest when Sioux Falls’ (5-9) Jabari Henry went deep in the bottom of the first to trim it to a four-run game. Saltdogs starting pitcher Derek Gordon had other ideas. The hurler did not allow a run after the solo shot and lasted a season-high seven innings on the way to the win.
The offense continued in the top of the second. Brant Whiting, Curt Smith and Nathaniel Maggio each collected base hits to drive in a run and another scored on an error to make it 7-1.
The onslaught continued in the fourth inning. Smith doubled, Jacobs drew a walk and Dashenko Ricardo was hit by a pitch to load the bases. After a pitching change, Chad Hinshaw lined a single to right field to score two more runs and stretch the lead to eight.
It kept coming in eighth. Jacobs blasted a solo homer to make it 10-1. He hit his last three home runs to straightaway center field.
The Saltdogs defense was on point, turning three double plays while not committing an error. It is the team’s fifth straight error-free game.
The Saltdogs will play their first rubber match on Sunday afternoon. Austin Robichaux starts for the Saltdogs with first pitch at 1:05 PM. Coverage begins at 12:35 PM on ESPN 101.5 FM 1480 AM and saltdogs.com.
The Saltdogs return to Haymarket Park for a six-game homestand beginning on Monday. For more information on the Saltdogs, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball. For ticket information visit https://saltdogs.com/tickets/ or call (402) 474-2255.