Lincoln Drops Series Opener to Canaries

(Photo courtesy of Sioux Falls Canaries)

Sioux Falls, South Dakota- The Sioux Falls Canaries scored eight unanswered runs and defeated the Lincoln Saltdogs, 8-1, Friday night at Sioux Falls Stadium.  Michael Curialle had four hits while Mike Hart homered for the Canaries.  Nick Shumpert had two hits and stole two bases, in the loss.

Sioux Falls (49-48) scored eight runs, off thirteen hits, committed one error, and left ten runners on base.  Lincoln (42-55) had one run, with four hits, no errors, and stranded six base runners.  Friday night’s game at Sioux Falls Stadium lasted two hours and forty-two minutes and was played in front of 1,275 fans.

Lincoln took the lead in the top of the first inning.  Facing Sioux Falls starter Josh Caravalho, Cam Phelts started the game with a single.  Then, Nick Shumpert walked.  Jairo Pomares singled, to load the bases.  Then, Tanner O’Tremba hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Phelts, to make it 1-0.

The Canaries grabbed the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Facing Lincoln starter Cam Dayton, Mike Hart hit a one-out double.  Then, Josh Rehwaldt singled, scoring Hart, to tie the score at 1-1.  Rehwaldt stole second.  Two batters later, Michael Curialle doubled, scoring Rehwaldt, to make it 2-1.  Then, Grady Mee drove home Curialle with a single, to make it a 3-1 Sioux Falls lead.

Sioux Falls extended its advantage in the bottom of the seventh.  Facing reliever Drake LaRoche, Michael Curialle hit a one-out single.  Then, Grady Mee singled. The next batter, Anthony Hall, hit a two-rbi triple, to make it 5-1.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Canaries added three more runs.  Facing Jack Hill, Mike Hart hit a solo home run.  Then, Josh Rehwaldt singled, as did Cam Hassert.  The next batter, Michael Curialle, hit a two-rbi triple, to make it 8-1, which turned out to be the final score.

Canaries starting pitcher Josh Caravalho (1-1) earned the win, throwing 7.0 innings, giving up one run, off four hits, struck out four and walked two.  Spencer Bauer threw 1.0 inning, yielding one hit and struck out two.  Charlie Hasty pitched 1.0 inning and walked one.

Lincoln starter Cam Dayton (3-4) took the loss, pitching 5.0 innings, giving up three runs, off five hits, struck out seven and walked four.  Drake LaRoche threw 2.0 innings, yielding two runs, off four hits and struck out two.  Jack Hill pitched 1.0 inning, surrendering three runs, off four hits and struck out one.

Offensively for Sioux Falls, Mike Hart was 2-for-5 with a home run.  Josh Rehwaldt was 2-for-5.  Michael Curialle was 4-for-5 with two RBIs.  Grady Mee went 2-for-4 with an RBI.  Anthony Hall was 1-for-5 with two runs batted in.

For the Saltdogs, Nick Shumpert was 2-for-3.  Tanner O’Tremba was 0-for-1 with one run batted in.

Game two of the four-game series is Saturday afternoon.  RHP Cael Chatham (3-4, 7.73 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  RHP Nicholai Arbach (3-1, 6.69 ERA) will be on the mound for Sioux Falls.  The first pitch at Sioux Falls Stadium will be 5:35 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on: www.aabaseball.tv.

For information on tickets for the Lincoln Saltdogs 2027 season, merchandise, and more, visit: www.saltdogs.com.