LINCOLN — The Kansas City T-Bones (40-32) scored seven runs in the final two innings to come back and shock the Saltdogs (28-46) 7-6 in the series opener in front of 2,855 fans at Haymarket Park Tuesday night.
With Lincoln leading 6-3 heading into the ninth, Kansas City got a two-out, two-run double from Starlin Rodriguez. Two batters later, Jake Blackwood lined a single to right to plate two more, giving the T-Bones their first lead of the game.
Casey Collins was outstanding for the Saltdogs, taking a shutout – with five perfect innings – into the eighth. Adam Bailey then whacked a two-out, three-run homer to make it 5-3.
Collins finished with 7 2/3 innings pitched, three runs on five hits while fanning seven and walking four but took the no-decision.
Mike Nannini (2-4) allowed a run in the eighth but notched the win in relief. Aaron Baker worked a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
Marshall Schuler (2-2) allowed four runs on four hits in the ninth to take the loss.
C.J. Ziegler, Ryan Wiggins and Tucker White each had two hits in the losing effort.
The series continues Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Jesse Smith (2-6, 5.17) is slated to face RHP Bobby Doran (8-2, 3.95). Radio coverage begins at 6:05 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
It’s a #WienerWednesday with $1 Fairbury brand hot dogs! Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.