The Kansas City T-Bones (39-45) dropped the first game of a three-game series to the Lincoln Saltdogs (42-41), 9-7, on Friday night in front of 6,070 fans at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
 
The Saltdogs scored first against Reid Santos in the top of the second with an RBI double by Brandon Jones. Ray Sadler answered for the T-Bones with a two-run home run off Alex Maestri in the bottom of the third to take  a 2-1 lead.

Lincoln reclaimed the lead with a four-run fifth to make the score 5-2. The Saltdogs collected six hits in the inning, including a two-run double by Jorge Cortes. The T-Bones added a single run in the fifth and two more in the sixth to tie the game at five and chase Maestri from the game. Kala Ka’aihue connected for a home run to open the inning and an RBI single by Keanon Simon capped off the frame.

Maestri was charged with five runs on eight hits over five-plus innings but did not factor into the decision.

Santos pitched into the eighth for Kansas City, leaving in favor of Steven Stewart (3-4) with one on and two outs in the inning. Stewart induced a groundout to end the frame and faced two batters in the ninth before giving way to Kyle Dahman.

Dahman surrendered two singles and a walk while throwing three wild pitches. Kurt Steinhauer and Curt Smith each collected RBI singles while two runs scored on wild pitches as Lincoln gained a 9-5 advantage.  The right-hander then gave way to Martin Dewald with two on and nobody out. Dewald finished the inning while holding the deficit at four.

Stewart was charged with two runs, one earned, on one hit in one-third of an inning in the loss. Jordan Stern (2-3) took the win for Lincoln after holding Kansas City to just three hits over three scoreless innings of relief. Kansas City added two runs in the ninth and put the winning run on base but P.J. Zocchi shut down the rally to earn his 18th save of the season.

Kris Johnson (4-2, 3.16) takes the mound for Kansas City against Vince Bongiovanni (1-3, 4.66) and the Saltdogs on Saturday night. First pitch is set for 7:05. Saturday is Salute to Heroes Night where we will celebrate our local heroes. Also, stay after the game for Post-Game Fireworks presented by Verizon. To secure your seats call 913-328-5618 or visit www.tbonesbaseball.com.