QUEBEC, P.Q., Que. — Despite another quality start from rookie righty Brandon Sinnery and four hits from David Espinosa, the Saltdogs (39-57) fell to the Quebec Capitales (64-32) 4-3 for the third straight game at Stade Municipal Thursday night.
The ‘Dogs got the possible tying run to third base with one out in the top of the ninth but Caps closer T.J. Stanton struck out the final two batters looking to end the game and earn the save, his 18th.
Sinnery (5-1) pitched six innings, allowing two earned on four hits while striking out three and walking none but suffered the loss. Until Josue Peley launched a two-run homer in the sixth, Sinnery had gone 23 straight innings without surrendering an earned run.
Jeff Duda (15-1) pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing two earned on seven hits to earn the win, leaving to a standing ovation in the seventh.
Espinosa finished the game 4-for-5 with a double, a run and RBI.
The Saltdogs committed five errors in the game, accounting for two unearned runs scored by Quebec.
The clubs are back at it for the series finale Friday night at 6:05 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 5:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.