LINCOLN — C.J. Ziegler homered in his first game back from a broken thumb but the Sioux City Explorers (46-18) capitalized on late errors to come back and beat the Saltdogs (24-40) 7-6 to complete the sweep in front of 2,224 fans at Haymarket Park.
With Lincoln leading 5-2 heading into the top of the eighth, a two-out error allowed a run home and the top of the frame to continue. Brock Kjeldgaard then launched a two-run double off the wall in right to tie the game.
Sioux City got a two-out single from Matt Koch and an RBI triple to deep left by Tim Colwell, who scored on the play due to another error to make it 7-5 X’s.
The Saltdogs put runners on the corners with one out in the bottom of the ninth when Matt Forgatch blasted a ball to deep center field. Matty Johnson make a sensational diving catch near the warning track to save the tying run from scoring.
Billy Bullock (1-1) pitched two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win. Marshall Schuler (1-1) allowed two runs – one earned – on two hits to take the loss. Rob Wort pitched the ninth to get the save.
Four of Sioux City’s five runs in the final two innings were unearned due to Lincoln errors.
Kevin McGovern pitched six strong innings, allowing just two hits and two runs – on a Ryan Court homer – but took a no-decision.
Forgatch finished the game 1-for-3 with a season-high four RBI.
Sioux City has swept the Saltdogs three times this year and is 10-0 against them in 2015.
Lincoln continues the home stand with a series opener against the Amarillo Thunderheads Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 5:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
It’s a #SouvenirSaturday with fans receiving a U.S. Bank Saltdogs 15th Season cap. Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.