LINCOLN, NE – The Sioux Falls Canaries have seen their offense ebb and flow over the season. Wednesday was no different as the offense only put up four hits in a 7-0 loss to the Lincoln Saltdogs.

The lackluster offense wasn’t the only problem for the Birds. Combined, the pitching staff walked 12 batters, resulting in multiple free runs for the Dogs. Starter Matt Bywater (0-1, 6.48 ERA) has struggled with his command this season, walking 12 batters so far this season, including seven on Wednesday night. He only lasted 2.1 innings, giving up five runs on only two hits.

In a stark contrast, Dogs starter Shairon Martis (3-2, 3.09 ERA) was in cruise control all night long. He pitched a stellar complete game, giving up only five hits and striking out five. At one point, he retired 19 of 20 straight Canaries batters.

The two bright spots of the night were Canaries reliever Billy Waltrip and David Bergin. Waltrip came in to pitch the seventh and eighth innings, giving up only one hit in two shutout innings out of the ‘pen. Bergin extended his hitting streak to seven games with a single in the ninth inning.

Ineffective offense has been the downfall of the Birds this season. After a 5-0 start to the season where the Birds put up 32 runs in their first five games, they’ve put up more than five runs only six times, putting a constant pressure on their pitching staff. The pitching staff hasn’t given themselves a break, though, giving up 39 runs over the last two series.

The Canaries return home to the Birdcage on Thursday night to take on North Division rival St. Paul at 7:05. Come to the ballpark early as Scooter’s Coffee will be on hand with free samples of Scooter’s new iced teas, plus the first 500 fans get a free Scooter's VIP Card. Thursday is also Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark with $2 beer until the seventh inning. Contact the Canaries ticket office for information regarding single game or season ticket options by calling 605-336-6060 or visit the website at www.sfcanaries.com for more information.

By Scott Lemon


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