SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Asif Shah tallied four hits in vain as the Sioux Falls Pheasants (7-8) drubbed the Saltdogs (8-8) 13-7 in front of 2,201 fans at The Birdcage Saturday night.

Lincoln scored two in the top of the first but Sioux Falls struck for the game's next seven runs to knock starter Tommy Palica out of the game.

Cesar Nicolas launched a three-run homer and finished 3-for-4 with six RBI. Mark Shorey drilled a two-run homer as well.

Rod Scurry (2-1) pitched 3 1/3 innings of relief, allowing just an unearned run to earn the victory. Palica (1-3) surrendered seven runs on seven hits in two-plus innings before leaving in the third after a visit from Chris Miyake and trainer Kyle Younkin.

Shah's big night came with a newly-carved mohawk after going 0-for-5 Friday. The Cincinnati native finished 4-for-5 with a double and three runs. John Alonso went 2-for-5 with two more RBI.

The Saltdogs have totalled 41 hits in the series thus far but have dropped two out of three.

The teams meet again Sunday at 2:05 p.m. for the finale of the four-game set. Ryan Sheldon (2-0, 2.60) will take the mound against Mitchell Clegg (1-0, 2.77). Radio coverage begins at 1:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.

The 'Dogs return home to Haymarket Park Monday, June 4 against Winnipeg. It is a 'Military Monday,' featuring free reserved tickets for all Military personnel and their families. For ticket information call 402-474-BALL or visit www.saltdogs.com.