SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Lincoln Saltdogs scored three runs in top of the tenth inning to beat the Sioux Falls Canaries 6-3 for a series clinching win in South Dakota.
Curt Smith started the top of the tenth inning with a hit and moved to second after a Randolph Oduber single. Tommy Mendonca moved the runners up with a groundout then Sioux Falls intentionally walked Brandon Jacobs to load the bases. Then, Joe Robbins worked a walk after falling down 0-2 in the next at bat to send home the go-ahead run. Dashenko Ricardo followed with an RBI ground ball to make it a two-run lead. Next, Christian Ibarra finished the frame with a single to make it 6-3.
Cameron McVey, usually the setup man, came on for the bottom of the tenth and allowed a leadoff single. Then, Ricardo gunned down the runner Dan Motl trying to steal second for the first out. McVey retired the next two batters to earn the save and give the ‘Dogs the win.
Starting pitcher Brian McAfee pitched a gem for the Saltdogs. He earned his fifth straight quality start by allowing two runs over eight innings. The right-hander struck out five compared to two walks.
The Saltdogs scored the first run of the game in the sixth inning. Cesar Valera singled and moved to second on a two-out base hit by Nathaniel Maggio. Then, Valera stole third base and scored on an errant throw by catcher Mike Falsetti.
Lincoln added to the lead in the eighth. Matty Johnson doubled and scored on a base hit by Smith. After a walk, Mendonca came through with an RBI single to make it a three-run lead.
Sioux Falls got to McAfee in the bottom of the eighth. Falsetti walked and scored on a Dan Motl double. Motl was 3-3 on the night. Ty Morrison knocked Motl home to make it just a one run lead for the Saltdogs.
The Canaries tied it up in the bottom of the ninth. Burt Reynolds hit a solo home run off of closer Michael Wagner to force extra innings. It was Reynolds’ ninth home run of the season.
The Saltdogs moved to 4-1 in extra innings with the win. The team is 31-0 when leading after eight innings.
The series win was the fifth straight series victory for the Saltdogs. The streak ties their season high. Lincoln won five out of six games against the Canaries this year.
The Saltdogs try to win their eleventh straight home game on Sunday afternoon against the St. Paul Saints. First pitch at Haymarket Park is at 2:05 PM with coverage beginning at 1:35 PM on ESPN 1480 and saltdogs.com.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling (402) 474-2255 or visiting Saltdogs.com. For the latest information on the Saltdogs follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.