Saltdogs Tripped Up by Cougars in Series Finale

Lincoln, Nebraska- The Kane County Cougars hit a pair of home runs and broke open a tie game in the eighth inning to defeat the Lincoln Saltdogs, 8-6, Sunday afternoon at Haymarket Park.  Nick Shumpert recorded three hits, including a two-run home run for Lincoln, in the loss.

Kane County (43-35) scored eight runs, off twelve hits, committed one error, and stranded eleven base runners.  Lincoln (37-43) had six runs, with nine hits, one error, and left five runners on base.  Sunday’s game lasted two hours and fifty-one minutes and was played in front of 2,130 fans.

The Cougars took the lead in the top of the third inning.  Facing Lincoln starter Graham Edwards, Armond Upshaw led off with a single.  Then, Josh Allen hit a grounder to third, which Calyn Halvorson gloved, but threw wildly allowing Upshaw to come around and score, and Allen to advance to third.  Two batters later, Todd Lott hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Allen, to make it 2-0.

Lincoln cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the third.  Facing Kane County starter Reese Sharp, Cam Phelts drew a one-out walk.  Then, Nick Shumpert singled.  The Saltdogs executed a double steal, with Shumpert swiping second and Phelts stealing home, to make it 2-1.

In the top of the fifth inning, Kane County got a run back.  With two outs, Josh Allen hit a solo home run to right field, to make it 3-1.

The Saltdogs responded by capturing the lead in the bottom of the fifth.  Griffin Everitt led off the inning with a double.  Then, Paul Myro IV singled, scoring Everitt to make it 3-2.  Two batters later, Nick Shumpert hit a two-run home run to right field.  His eighth home run of the season gave Lincoln a 4-3 lead.

Lincoln’s advantage was short-lived, however.  In the top of the sixth, with one out, Charles Mack hit a solo home run to right field, to tie the score at 4-4.

In the top of the eighth, Kane County grabbed the lead for good, sending ten batters to the plate.  Facing reliever Ryan Spalliero, Jairus Richards led off the inning with a single.  Two batters later, Zane Spinn walked.  Then, Sam Dexter singled, scoring Richards.  The Cougars completed a double-steal, putting runners at second and third.  Then, Sam Dexter singled, driving in two, to make it 7-4.  George Bilecki drew a walk.  Lincoln went to the bullpen and brought Jeferson Figueroa in, to pitch.  Armond Upshaw was hit by a pitch.  Then, Josh Allen was hit by a pitch, scoring Bilecki, to make it 8-4.

The Saltdogs attempted a rally in the bottom of the eighth.  Facing reliever Art Warren, Nick Shumpert led off the inning with a single.  Then, Jairo Pomares singled.  The next batter, Cary Arbolida delivered a base hit, scoring Shumpert, to make it 8-5.  Connor Bagnieski drew a walk.  Two batters later, Calyn Halvorson hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Pomares, to make it 8-6, which would turn out to be the final score.

Kane County starting pitcher Reese Sharp pitched 6.0 innings, giving up four runs, off six hits, struck out five and walked one.  Logan Nissen (2-2) earned the win, pitching a clean seventh inning.  Art Warren pitched 1.0 inning, giving up two runs, off two hits, struck out one and walked one.  Jake Gozzo (18) earned the save, pitching a clean ninth inning.

Lincoln starter Graham Edwards pitched 6.0 innings, giving up four runs, two earned, off six hits, struck out three and walked two.  Jack Hill worked 1.0 inning, yielding two hits and struck out one.  Ryan Spalliero (0-1) took the loss, throwing 0.1 inning, surrendering four runs, off two hits and walked two.  Jeferson Figueroa pitched 0.2 innings, giving up one hit and struck out one.  Drake LaRoche pitched 1.0 inning, yielding one hit, struck out one and walked one.

Offensively for the Cougars, Josh Allen was 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two RBIs.  Matt Bottcher was 4-for-5 with a run batted in.  Todd Lott went 0-for-4 with one run driven in.  Charles Mack was 2-for-4 with a solo home run.  Sam Dexter went 2-for-5 with two RBIs.

For the Saltdogs, Nick Shumpert was 3-for-5 with a two-run home run.  Cary Arbolida and Paul Myro IV were both 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Lincoln has Monday off and will begin a three-game series at the Kansas City Monarchs, Tuesday night.  LHP Cam Dayton (3-1, 3.41 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  RHP Jimmy Endersby (5-4, 4.12 ERA) will be on the mound for Kansas City.  The first pitch will be 6:35 p.m. at Legends Field.  Tuesday night’s game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on: www.aabaseball.tv.

The next home game for the Saltdogs will be Friday, August 21^st, when they host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, with first pitch at Haymarket Park at 7:05 p.m.  The game will be FREE T-SHIRT FRIDAY! sponsored by Abante Marketing.  Also, there will be a Saltdogs Tote Bag Giveaway, sponsored by Assurity.  In addition, there will be Post-Game Fireworks sponsored by Pepsi Cola of Lincoln.  Plus, as part of the 25th Season Celebration, is the host family recognition.  For tickets, merchandise and more information, visit: www.saltdogs.com.