AA Lincoln Saltdogs

Saltdogs Rally to Beat Explorers Again

Published on July 29, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release


LINCOLN, NE - The Lincoln Saltdogs earned their third straight win over Sioux City on Wednesday, beating the Explorers 4-3 at Haymarket Park. Lincoln improves to 10-8 on the second half of the season.

Trailing 2-0 after five innings, the Saltdogs started the comeback in the bottom of the sixth when Shawn McGill hit an RBI double. He would be stranded at second, but Lincoln took control in the bottom of the seventh. With two outs and a runner on second, Phil Hawke hit an RBI single on a 3-2 pitch to tie the game. Pichi Balet singled, moving Hawke to third, and then took second on a delayed steal. McGill, facing a full count, followed with a clutch two-run single to give the Dogs the lead.

Sioux City didn't go quietly, scoring an unearned run in the eighth to cut the lead to one. The X's then put runners on second and third with one out in the ninth, threatening not only to tie the game but to re-take the lead. Lincoln closer Chris Thompson, however, struck out Nick McCoola for the second out, and then got Derek Schermerhorn to line out to left to end the game. Thompson recorded his 22nd save of the season.

The late rally made a winner of Lincoln starter Jarrett Gardner (9-4), who turned in another solid outing. Gardner allowed just two runs on five hits in seven innings, walking two and striking out three. He now leads the American Association in wins on the season.

McGill finished the night 3-for-4 with three RBI, while Balet went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. The win keeps Lincoln half a game in front of St. Paul for first place in the North Division of the American Association.

The Saltdogs go for the four-game sweep Thursday night at 7:05. Righty Brian Campbell will make the start for Lincoln.

Check out the Lincoln Saltdogs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Association Stories from July 29, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central