Trio of Lincoln Home Runs Overwhelms Blasters
August 16, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
The power hitting exploits of the Lincoln Saltdogs were too much to overcome for the Joplin Blasters on Tuesday night, as three home runs propelled the visitors to a 8-5 victory at Joe Becker Stadium. Lincoln has won the opening two games of the series, and has claimed six consecutive victories over the Blasters.
Lincoln wasted no time in taking the lead, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning off losing pitcher Wander Perez. Cesar Valera and Brandon Jacobs each hit singles with one out, which set the table for cleanup hitter Curt Smith. Smith hit his 13th homer of the season, a three-run shot that gave the Saltdogs a lead that would not be relinquished.
Geraldo Valentin helped the Blasters answer immediately in the bottom of the first. The veteran infielder crushed a 1-1 delivery well over the Joe Becker Stadium fence, a solo home run that marked an even dozen for Valentin. With two outs in the same inning, Brandon Tierney hit a double to left field. He scored on an ensuing Will Soto single, diving headfirst into the plate to pull the Blasters within a run.
Two-run homers were traded in the third inning, keeping the Lincoln lead at one run. For the second time in as many plate appearances, Smith crushed a ball out of the park. Smith 14th homer was a two-run shot that also scored Jacobs. Brandon Tierney responded with a two-run homer of his own. Tierney's longball scored Edwin Gomez, who had reached on a two-out single up the middle. Tierney led the Blasters with three hits, two RBIs, and two runs scored in the losing effort.
The Saltdogs' third home run of the day put the game out of reach. With two outs in the top of the seventh inning, Ryan Wiggins and Robby Kuzdale stood on first and second via fielder's choice and walk, respectively. On a 1-1 pitch, Jacobs clubbed a three-run homer over the left field fence. It was Jacobs' seventh home run of the season, and increased Lincoln's lead to 8-4.
Joplin threatened in the final inning of the game, scoring a run and bringing the tying run to the plate. KC Huth hit a leadoff double on the first pitch of the inning, and Mitch Glasser lined a single to left field to put runners on the corners. Valentin then doubled down the left field line, scoring Huth and putting runners on second and third. Gomez represented the tying run, but struck out swinging to end the game.
For the second night in a row, J.R. Bunda earned the victory for the Saltdogs, while Perez took the loss. Bunda pitched 3.1 innings out of the bullpen, allowing only two hits.
The third game of the four-game set is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, and will see righties Mario Morales and Shairon Martis do battle at Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin.
American Association Stories from August 16, 2016
- Trio of Lincoln Home Runs Overwhelms Blasters - Joplin Blasters
- Wingnuts Split Twin Bill with T-Bones - Wichita Wingnuts
- Lincoln Rally Stuns Blasters In Series Opener - Joplin Blasters
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