SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Shairon Martis turned in another strong outing and Curt Smith smacked another homer as the Saltdogs (16-29) blew past the Sioux Falls Canaries (20-25) 9-1 in front of 3,219 fans at The Birdcage Wednesday afternoon.
Martis (3-1) pitched seven innings, allowing one run on six hits while walking four and striking out four to earn the win. The 28-year old former big leaguer has allowed just three runs over his last 27 frames of work.
With two outs and down in the count 1-2, Smith blasted a two-run home run to left to give the Saltdogs a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. It was Smith’s second long ball of the series and fifth of the season.
Eight of the nine Saltdogs starters had at least one hit, with Matt Forgatch, Eddie Young and Smith collecting two. Brian Joynt went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI.
Conor Spink pitched two innings of perfect relief, making a nice over-the-shoulder catch and an off-balanced throw to first to end the game.
Shawn Blackwell (1-6) yielded six runs on nine hits in six innings to take the loss.
The Canaries tallied their run on a Brian Humphries lead-off homer in the fourth.
Smith has two home runs with eight RBI so far in the series. Forgatch and Joynt each have seven hits through three games.
The series finale is Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Luis Chirinos (2-4, 5.44) will take the mound against LHP Miguel Pena. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
The Saltdogs return home Friday, July 10 with a Fireworks Friday as they host Grand Prairie at 7:05 p.m. July 11 is a Souvenir Saturday featuring an Ameritas Red Saltdogs Jersey Giveaway and a 6:05 p.m. start time. Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.