712.277.WINS (9467)

Lincoln, NE-----The Lincoln Saltdogs edged the Sioux City Explorers 5-4 at Haymarket Park Saturday to even the series at a game apiece.  The Explorers had several opportunities to either tie or take the lead late in the game as the X's outhit Lincoln 14-8, but left a season high 12 runs on base including the bases load twice. 

Sioux City took a 2-0 lead in the third inning, but starter and losing pitcher Jason Jarvis (1-3) walked three batters in the bottom of the third, including one walk with the bases loaded and Lincoln took a 4-2 lead, a lead they never relinquished.  The Explorers cut the lead to 4-3 in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly RBI by Ray Serrano, but the Saltdogs added a run in the seventh to take a 5-3 lead.  In the eighth inning, the Explorers would score one run to cut the lead to 5-4, but left the bases loaded.  Sioux City had hits in every inning except the ninth when Lincoln relief pitcher P.J. Zocchi came in and retired the Explorers in order to record his fifth save of the year. 

Wally Backman, Jr. led the Explorers hit attack with four hits while Brandon Newton contributed with three hits.  With the series tied at a game apiece, the final game of the three-game series will be Sunday at 5:05.  After the Sunday game, the Explorers will return home to Lewis and Clark Park Monday to play seven of their next eight games, including the completion of the May 19th suspended game with Sioux Falls on Monday at 6:05.