KANSAS CITY, KS – The Lincoln Saltdogs gave up five runs in the first inning and lost to the Kansas City T-Bones 7-4 on Wednesday night.

It was the second straight night the Saltdogs (30-31) gave up a five-run inning.  This time it came on five straight two-out hits in the first inning.  Lincoln has not led against Kansas City (41-21) this season.  The team is 0-8 against the T-Bones.

The T-Bones added to their lead in the third inning. Colin Walsh bombed his third home run of the season to start the frame and make it 6-0.

Saltdogs starter Mike Tamburino took the loss but lasted six innings and did not allow a run in his last three innings worked.  It was his fifth loss in his last six starts.

The Saltdogs found their power stroke in the middle of the game.  Dan Johnson recorded a single to bring up Brandon Jacobs in the fourth inning.  The slugger belted a two-run homer to cut the deficit to four runs.  He tied Curt Smith for the team-high with his 12th long ball of the season but it was his first since July 3rd.

After leaving the bases loaded in the fifth, they went back to the home run in the sixth.  T.J. Bennett smacked a solo shot over the left-center field wall with one out.  Two batters later, Ivan Marin went yard to left field to make it 6-4.  Both homers were the second of the season for the two hitters.

The T-Bones tacked on another run in the seventh.  They drew two walks from reliever J.R. Bunda and Alay Lago lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to send in a run.  Bennett threw out a runner trying to tag from second base to end the inning.

Joe Filomeno and Marcus Crescentini combined to throw three hitless innings of relief to finish off the game.  Crescentini earned his first save of the season.  Barrett Astin picked up the win after going six innings for KC.

The Saltdogs fall to below .500 for the first time since May 26th.

Lincoln looks to take the series finale on Thursday night. First pitch is at 7:05 PM with coverage beginning at 6:35 PM on ESPN 101.5 FM 1480 AM and http://www.espn1480.com/lincoln-saltdogs-baseball/.

For more information on the Saltdogs, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.  For ticket information visit https://saltdogs.com/tickets/ or call (402) 474-2255.