Lincoln Drops Saturday Night Battle with Explorers

(Photo Courtesy of Tim Tushla, Sioux City Explorers)

Sioux City, Iowa- The Saltdogs attempted to claim the series against Sioux City, Saturday night, however the Explorers scored five unanswered runs and defeated Lincoln, 5-2, at Security National Bank Field, at Lewis and Clark Park.  With the loss, Lincoln will try to take the series in the rubber game of the match up, Sunday afternoon.

Sioux City (5-4) scored five runs, off eight hits, with no errors, and stranded eight base runners.  Lincoln (2-7) plated two runs, with eight hits, committed no errors, and left nine batters on base.  The Saturday night matchup took three hours and two minutes and was played in front of 1,602 fans.

The Saltdogs got on the board first, in the top of the fourth inning.  With one out, Connor Bagnieski drew a walk, against Explorers’ starter Peniel Otano, then stole second base.  Two batters later, Cam Phelts delivered a single, scoring Bagnieski, to make it a 1-0 Lincoln lead.  The next batter, Cael Chatham, doubled, scoring Phelts, to put Lincoln up 2-0.

However, the Explorers responded in the bottom of the fourth.  With one out, Dillon Tatum drew a walk, against Saltdogs starter Haden Erbe.  The next batter, Jackson Mayo, hit a two-run home run to right, to tie the game at 2-2.  Then, Jackson Van De Brake drew a walk, advanced to second on a balk, then took third on a wild pitch.  Two batters later, Elliot Good singled, down the right field line, scoring Van De Brake, to put Sioux City ahead, 3-2.

The Explorers plated two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth.  With two outs, facing Lincoln reliver Tyler Stasiowski, Jackson Van De Brake doubled, to center field.  Then, Zane Denton did the same, scoring Van De Brake to make the score 4-2.  The next batter, Elliot Good, singled to right, plating Denton, to make the score 5-2.

Lincoln could not answer in the top of the night as reliever Julio Rosario retired the Saltdogs in order, to claim the save.

Sioux City starter Peniel Otano pitched 4.0 innings, giving up two runs, off six hits, struck out three and walked three.  Ben De Taeye (1-0) earned the win, in relief, pitching 3.2 innings, yielding one hit, struck out seven, and walked two.  Nate Gercken pitched 0.1 innings, gave up one hit and struck out one.  Julio Rosario (1) earned the save, pitching 1.0 inning and striking out one.

Saltdogs starter Haden Erbe (0-1) took the loss, pitching 5.0 innings, giving up three runs, off four hits, struck out seven, and walked four.  Gabriel Jaramillo pitched 2.0 innings, surrendering one hit, struck out one, and walked one.  Tyler Stasiowski pitched 1.0 inning, giving up two runs, off three hits, and struck out two.

Offensively for the Explorers, Jackson Mayo was 1-for-3 with a two-run home run.  Zane Denton was 2-for-4 and drove in one run.  Elliot Good was 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

For Lincoln, Cam Phelts was 2-for-4.  Cael Chatham was 1-for-5 with an RBI.  Jairo Pomares was 2-for-3.  Nick Shumpert went 2-for-4.

The final game of the series is Sunday afternoon.  RHP Harold Cortijo (0-1, 5.40 ERA) will pitch for the Saltdogs.  RHP Hunter Cashero (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will be on the mound for Sioux City.  First pitch will be 4:05 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM and 1240 AM.  Live video will stream at:  www.aabaseball.tv.

The Saltdogs will return to Haymarket Park, this Monday, on Memorial Day, when they begin a three-game series against the Kansas City Monarchs.  First pitch on Monday night will be 6:35 p.m.  Monday’s game is MINI & MILITARY MONDAY! Fans 12 and under and all military personnel receive Buy One-Get One Free Tickets.  It’s also Saltdogs Guaranteed Win Night.  If the Saltdogs don’t win the 5/25 game, fans may exchange their ticket at the box office for a FREE ticket of equal or lesser value to the 5/26 home game.  For tickets, merchandise and more information, go to:  www.saltdogs.com.