JOPLIN, Mo. — Curt Smith and Luis Alen each homered as the Saltdogs (27-22) slugged their way to a 10-7 victory over the Joplin Blasters (14-34), completing a four-game sweep in front of 496 fans at Joe Becker Stadium Sunday evening.
The first-place Saltdogs have now won nine games out of 11 following a six-game losing streak.
“The Curacao Crusher’s” two-run homer in the first, his 10th, opened the game’s scoring and extended his hit streak to nine games.
Rene Leveret lashed a two-out, three-run double in the fourth as Lincoln built a 7-0 lead.
Alen’s three-run tater in the sixth made it 10-2 Saltdogs, who scored 29 runs over the final three games of the weekend.
Lindsey Caughel (4-3) pitched seven quality frames, allowing three runs while fanning seven and walking two to earn the win.
The Blasters plated four runs in the ninth and brought the tying run to the plate before Stephen Shackleford induced a ground ball to Dainer Moreira to end the game.
For the second time in three games, Alen drove in four runs.
The ‘Dogs return home to open a quick three-game home stand agains the Texas AirHogs Monday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Shairon Martis is expected to face RHP Tyler Harris.
Radio coverage begins at 6:05 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM. Online streaming action begins at 6:30 p.m. on AmericanAssociationBaseball.TV.