JOPLIN, Mo. — The Saltdogs (25-22) erupted for six runs in the seventh to pull away in a 12-5 romp over the Joplin Blasters (14-32) in front of 759 fans at Joe Becker Stadium Friday night.
With the game tied at 5-5, Luis Alen roped a two-run single to left in the top of the seventh.
Jon Smith followed with a two-run double. Two batters later, Ryan Wiggins clubbed a two-run opposite-field homer to make it 11-5.
Ryan O’Sullivan (2-3) pitched six innings, allowing just two runs over the final five frames to pick up the win.
After falling behind 3-0, Wiggins hit a clutch two-out, two-run single in the second.
Curt Smith tied the game at 4-4 with a two-run homer to left center in the fifth.
All nine starters had at least one hit in a season-high 15 knock performance.
Wiggins finished 2-for-5 with a homer and four RBI. Alen went 3-for-4 with a stolen base and four RBI.
The Saltdogs matched a season-high with 12 runs.
Game three of the four-game series is Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Larkins is expected to face former MLB LHP Alberto Castillo.
Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
The 5th Annual Haymarket Park Beer Fest is Saturday, July 30. Visit haymarketparkbeerfest.com for more information.