Lincoln Drops Series Rubber-Game to Lake Country

(Photo courtesy of Lake Country DockHounds)

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin-   The Lincoln Saltdogs were defeated by the Lake Country DockHounds, 5-1, Sunday afternoon at DockHounds Ball Park.  Lake Country scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the first and held the lead for the remainder of the game to take the series from Lincoln.

Lake Country (20-7) scored five runs, off nine hits, with no errors, and stranded six base runners.  Lincoln (10-17) had one run, off five hits, committed two errors, and left five runners on base.

The DockHounds started the scoring in the bottom of the first.  Facing Lincoln starter Ryan Rembisz, Ripken Reyes led off the inning by getting hit by a pitch.  Then, Dom Johnson reached on a fielder’s choice.  Ray Zuberer singled, to put runners at first and second.  Then, on a double-steal attempt, Griffin Everitt’s throw to third sailed high and into left field, allowing both Johnson and Zuberer to score, to make it 2-0 Lake Country.

In the bottom of the third, Ripken Reyes led off the inning with single.  Dom Johnson singled, to put runners at first and third.  Then, Ray Zuberer grounded into a double play, however, Reyes scored, to make it a 3-0 DockHounds lead.

Lincoln got on the board in the top of the fourth.  With two outs, facing Lake Country starter Jack Ben-Shoshan, Jairo Pomares walked.  Connor Bagnieski singled.  Then, Calyn Halvorson doubled to left field, scoring Pomares, to make it 3-1.

Lake Country responded immediately in the bottom of the fourth.  Mario Feliciano homered to left field, on the first pitch of the inning, to make it a 4-1 Lake Country lead.

The DockHounds added another run in the bottom of the seventh.  Facing Lincoln relief pitcher Harold Cortijo, Ripken Reyes reached on a fielder’s choice.  Dom Johnson singled.  Then, Ray Zuberer singled to shallow left field, scoring Reyes, to make the score, 5-1, which would eventually be the final.

Starting pitcher for Lake Country, Jack Ben-Shoshan, pitched 4.0 innings, giving up one run, off three hits, struck out three, and walked one.  Trey Dillard (1-0) earned the win in relief, working 2.0 innings, striking out two and walked one.  Rodrigo Benoit pitched 1.0 inning, yielding one hit, and struck out one.  Jacob Pilarski worked a clean eighth inning.  Brody Rodning pitched 1.0 inning, and gave up one hit.

Lincoln starter Ryan Rembisz (1-4) took the loss, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up four runs, two earned, off six hits, and struck out six.  Harold Cortijo pitched 1.0 inning, yielding one run, off three hits, and struck out one.  Jeferson Figueroa pitched 1.0 inning, in the eighth.

Offensively for Lake Country, Dom Johnson was 2-for-4.  Ray Zuberer was 2-for-4 with two RBIs.  Mario Feliciano went 2-for-4 with a solo home run.

For the Saltdogs, Connor Bagnieski was 2-for-4.  Calyn Halvorson went 1-for-4 with an RBI.  Paul Myro was 2-for-3.

After going 2-and-3 on the road trip, the Saltdogs return home to begin a three-game series with the Winnipeg Goldeyes, Tuesday night at Haymarket Park.  RHP Foster Pace (0-2, 7.36 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  RHP Luke Boyd (3-1, 4.25 ERA) will be on the mound for the Goldeyes.  First pitch will be 6:35 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on www.aabaseball.tv.

That evening will be TRIPLE PLAY TUESDAY! sponsored by Celerion.  Fans may donate one new stuffed animal or blanket for the BraveBe Child Advocacy Center and receive a FREE General Admission ticket.  It will also be Taco Tuesday where fans can purchase two tacos for $6.  Also, there will be $2 OFF popcorn, waffle cones, lemonade, and limeade.  For tickets, merchandise, and more information, visit:  www.saltdogs.com.