LINCOLN, NE – The Lincoln Saltdogs surrendered 10 runs in 6.1 innings and lost 10-7 to the Sioux Falls Canaries in a weather-shortened game Friday night.
The Canaries (5-8) led 10-7 with a runner on base and one out in the bottom of the seventh inning when the weather changed instantly. The wind shifted dramatically and kicked up to over 40 miles per hour causing the infield dirt to swirl and blow. The game paused for about two minutes for wind, and then after some warmup pitches, it officially entered a delay. Rain started falling shortly after the delay and showed no signs of stopping.
It is the first rain-shortened game in the Saltdogs’ (8-7) 2018 season.
The Saltdogs started the game hot. Christian Ibarra drew a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. Curt Smith came through with a two-out RBI single to score the first run.
Sioux Falls answered in the bottom of the second inning off newly acquired pitcher Mikey O’Brien. They scored four runs on four hits and two walks to grab a three-run lead.
Lincoln responded with four runs of their own in the next half inning. Nathaniel Maggio doubled to begin the frame and Angel Reyes reached on an error. Then, Smith and Brandon Jacobs notched consecutive doubles to score three runs and tie the game. After two walks, the Canaries went to the bullpen and summoned Trevor Jaunich. Ivan Marin hit into a double play but knocked in a run to make it 5-4. Omar Obregon grounded out to end the inning.
The Saltdogs added another run in the fourth. Ibarra walked a Maggio singled to start the inning. After a double play, Smith ripped his third hit of the game to score another run and make it 6-4.
Lincoln’s pitching could not hold the lead, though. The Canaries scored four more runs in the bottom of the fourth to reclaim a two-run edge. They drew two walks and Chris Jacobs blasted a three-run homer.
Sioux Falls continued to pour across runs in the next two innings. They got one in the fifth on two hits and a walk and Chris Grayson smoked a solo homer in the sixth.
The Saltdogs didn’t go away at the plate. Ibarra, Maggio and Reyes singled in three straight at bats to score another run in the sixth.
Overall, Saltdogs pitchers tied a season-high by walking seven batters in just 6.1 innings. Lincoln failed to hit a home run for the first time since the second game of the season.
The series continues on Saturday night. Derek Gordon starts for the Saltdogs with first pitch at 6:05 PM. Coverage begins at 5:35 PM on ESPN 101.5 FM 1480 AM and saltdogs.com.
The Saltdogs return to Haymarket Park for a six-game homestand beginning on Monday. 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.