The Sioux Falls Canaries kicked off their season in dramatic fashion, rallying from behind to secure a 6-5 extra-inning victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs on Opening Day in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The game started promisingly for the Canaries, who drew first blood in the third inning when Anthony Hall’s sacrifice groundout brought in an RBI. However, momentum shifted in the fifth as Lincoln seized control with a two-out grand slam, putting the Canaries on their heels.

Sioux Falls refused to back down. Josh Rehwaldt launched a solo home run in the top of the sixth to cut the deficit in half, but Lincoln responded immediately with a solo shot of their own in the seventh, restoring their three-run lead.

The turning point came in the eighth inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Scott Combs delivered a clutch three-run double to tie the game at 5-5. He then showcased his all-around skills by picking off the potential go-ahead run at third base in the bottom half, keeping the game deadlocked.

The tension carried into extra innings, where Combs once again proved to be the hero. In the top of the tenth, he doubled with two outs to bring in Michael Curialle for what would become the winning run. Closer Charlie Hasty sealed the deal in the bottom half, inducing three popouts to secure the victory.

Spencer Bauer earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, while Combs and Mike Hart each collected two hits on the day. The Canaries (1-0) will look to build on this momentum and clinch the series when they face Lincoln again Saturday at 6:05pm.