R H E LOB
SALTDOGS 9 9 3 5
KANSAS CITY 7 9 2 6
W: Varce (1-0)
L: DeVore (0-1)
S: Staniewicz (1)
The Saltdogs needed just four outs to pile on nine runs, coasting to a 9-7 exhibition victory over the Kansas City T-Bones at CommunityAmerica Ballpark Wednesday night.
Mitch Canham headlined a six-run rally in the second, belting a three-run homer on to the grass berm beyond the right field wall to boost Lincoln’s lead to 9-0.
Curt Smith enjoyed a productive night in the clean-up spot, going 3-for-4 with three RBI.
Three of the first four batters for the Saltdogs singled to begin the game, capped by a Smith RBI hit.
Zachary Varce (1-0) pitched two hitless innings, walking one and striking out one to earn the win.
Zach Staniewicz electrified with his knuckleball, sending the T-Bones down in order in the ninth to notch the save.
Kansas City plated four in the third inning, and capitalized on three Saltdogs errors on the night, tallying three unearned runs.
Mike Gilmartin was hit in the helmet by a pitch in the first inning with the bases loaded. The starting shortstop left the game as a precaution.
The Saltdogs are now 1-1 in pre-season play, with their next tune up slated for Saturday evening against the Sioux City Explorers in Kingsley, Iowa.
Lincoln’s next home pre-season game is Sunday at 6:05 p.m. against Gary. Tickets are $5 and season-ticket holders get in for free.
SALTDOGS HITTING LINES:
Matt Forgatch, LF: 2-5, 2 R
Jon Gaston, CF: 0-4, 3 K
Brian Joynt, RF: 2-2, BB, HBP, 2 R, RBI
Curt Smith, 3B/DH: 3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI
Mitch Canham, DH: 1-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Mike Gilmartin, SS: 0-0, HBP, RBI
Eddie Young, SS: 0-3
Trevor Martin, 2B: 0-3, BB, RBI
Jeremy Hamilton, 1B: 0-4
Ryan Wiggins, C: 1-2, R
Tyler Smith, C: 0-2
Ryan Lashley, DH/3B: 0-3, BB, R
PITCHING LINES:
Zachary Varce: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, K, Win
Jesse Smith: 2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, K
Luis Chirinos: 2 IP, H, R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Bryan Duncan: IP, 2 H, ER, BB
Mackenzie King: IP, 0 H, 0 R
Zach Staniewicz: IP, 0 H, 0 R, Save