KANSAS CITY, KS – The Lincoln Saltdogs scored three runs in the 6th inning and held on to defeat the Kansas City T-Bones 4-3 at Community America Ballpark on Sunday afternoon.
The win gave the Saltdogs the series win to open the 2017 season. The ‘Dogs fell in the season opener but claimed the final two games of the set. This is the third straight season the Saltdogs have won their opening series.
Robby Rowland earned the win in a five inning effort while Myles Smith was charged with the loss for Kansas City. Josh Laxer shut down the T-Bones in the 9th inning to record the save.
Rowland gave up just one run on four hits in his five frames. He worked around issuing four walks by striking out five batters. T-Bones starter Chris Perry was solid too, lasting five innings and giving up one run on four hits while striking out seven Saltdogs.
The Saltdogs struck first in the 2nd inning. Christian Ibarra started things with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch and third on an error. Brent Dean stepped up with two outs and ripped a single to left field to score Ibarra.
Kansas City answered back in the bottom of the second. Brett Wiley singled with one out and scored on a Leo Rojas double.
The score stayed the same through the third inning thanks to Ibarra. The third baseman made a diving stop on a sharp ground ball with runners on first and second. He then raced to touch third and threw across the diamond to retire the batter for an inning-ended double play.
The Saltdogs took the lead in the sixth inning. Curt Smith started the inning with a single. After moving to second on a wild pitch, he came home to score on a two-out single by Trever Adams. Adams stole second base and scored the next run on a Randolph Oduber base hit. Dean kept it going by doubling to score Oduber.
The three runs proved to be all the Saltdogs needed to secure the win. The T-Bones scored two runs in the 8th, but Josh Laxer shut down KC in order in the 9th for the save.
The Saltdogs are next in action tomorrow at Sioux City. First pitch is at 7:05 PM and coverage begins at 6:35 PM on ESPN 1480 and saltdogs.com.
The home opener for the Lincoln Saltdogs is Thursday, May 25th at Haymarket Park against the Cleburne Railroaders. Tickets go on sale May 1st and will be available by calling (402) 474-2255 or by visiting Saltdogs.com. For the latest information on the Saltdogs follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.