SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Mitch Canham extended his hit streak to 16 games but an early five-ball paved the way to a 10-5 victory for the Sioux City Explorers (19-6) over the Saldogs (8-18) in front of 820 fans at Lewis and Clark Park Wednesday night.
Sioux City’s five-run first ran their series tally to nine in the opening frame. The Saltdogs plated two unearned runs two cut the deficit to 6-2 before the Explorers scored three unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth to make it 9-2.
Lincoln struck for three runs on five hits in the eighth inning to make it 9-5 in a spirited comeback effort, but stranded two in scoring position.
Former Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees hurler Jeff Marquez (4-1) pitched six innings, allowing just two unearned runs to get the win. Moises Melendez (0-1) lasted seven innings, allowing nine runs – six earned – on 134 pitches to suffer the loss.
Mitch Canham went 1-for-5 to extend his hit streak to 16 games, tied for the sixth longest in franchise history with Pichi Balet and Bryan Warner (2006).
Brian Joynt went 2-for-5 with two RBI. Curt Smith and Ryan Wiggins each turned in two-hit games with a double each as well.
The Saltdogs look to avoid the four-game sweep in the road trip finale Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Jesse Smith (1-3, 2.90) will square off against RHP Patrick Johnson (4-0, 2.40). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Lincoln returns home Friday at 7:05 p.m. against Joplin Blasters for a Fireworks Friday! Get your tickets at saltdogs.com.