Sioux Falls, South Dakota- The Sioux Falls Canaries broke open a scoreless tie with three sixth inning runs and held on to defeat the Lincoln Saltdogs, 3-2, Saturday evening at Sioux Falls Stadium.  Anthony Hall drove in two for the Canaries, while Cary Arbolida hit a two-run home run for Lincoln, in the loss.

Sioux Falls (49-48) scored three runs, off seven hits, committed no errors, and left six runners on base.  With the victory, Sioux Falls clinched the final spot in the Miles Wolf Cup Playoffs, which begin on Wednesday.  Lincoln (42-56) had two runs, with seven hits, no errors, and left seven runners on base.  Saturday’s game at Sioux Falls Stadium lasted two hours and twenty-eight minutes and was played in front of 1,652 fans.

The Canaries took the lead in the bottom of the sixth.  Facing Lincoln starter Cael Chatham, Cam Hassert hit a one-out single.  Mike Hart drew a walk.  Two batters later, Michael Curialle was hit by a pitch, to load the bases.  Then, Anthony Hall hit a two-rbi single, to make it 2-0.  The next batter, Grady Mee, reached on a bunt single, scoring Curialle, to make it a 3-0 Sioux Falls lead.

Lincoln rallied in the top of the ninth.  Facing reliever Charlie Hasty, Connor Bagnieski led off the inning with a single.  Then, Cary Arbolida hit a two-run home run, to right field.  His thirteenth homer of the season made it 3-2.  However, Hasty struck out Calyn Halvorson and Jacob Morrow, both swinging, and got Paul Myro IV to ground out to shortstop, to end the game.

Sioux Falls starter Nicholai Arbach (4-1) earned the win, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up no runs, three hits, struck out five and walked three.  Sean Gamble threw 1.0 inning, yielding one hit and struck out one.  Kody Dalen pitched 1.0 inning, giving up one hit and struck out one.  Charlie Hasty earned his eighteenth save of the season, pitching 1.0 inning, surrendering two runs, off two hits and struck out two.

Saltdogs starting pitcher Cael Chatham (3-5) took the loss, throwing 5.2 innings, giving up three runs, off three hits, struck out five and walked two.  Ryan Rembisz threw 1.1 innings, yielding one hit and struck out one.  Alex Johnson pitched 1.0 inning, giving up two hits and struck out three.

Offensively for the Canaries, Josh Rehwaldt was 2-for-4.  Anthony Hall was 1-for-4 with two RBIs.  Grady Mee was 1-for-4.

For Lincoln, Cary Arbolida was 2-for-4 with a two-run home run.

Game three of the four-game series is Sunday.  RHP Foster Pace (3-5, 6.28 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  LHP Thomas Dorminy (6-3, 5.28 ERA) will be on the mound for Sioux Falls.  The first pitch at Sioux Falls Stadium will be 4:05 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on: www.aabaseball.tv.

For information on tickets for the Lincoln Saltdogs 2027 season, merchandise, and more, visit: www.saltdogs.com.