LINCOLN — John Alonso hit two more long balls and the Saltdogs scored the game’s final 10 runs to come back and beat the New Jersey Jackals 11-5 in front of 3,205 fans at Haymarket Park Sunday evening.
Trailing 5-2 in the sixth, Alonso launched his first of two two-run homers out to left field. The Saltdogs completed their come back with a five-run seventh, featuring the other Alonso tater and a two-base, two-run throwing error by Jackals hurler Jeff Gogal on a bunt.
Newly acquired southpaw Tony Butler (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh to net the win. Gogal (0-1) allowed five runs on four hits in 1 1/3 innings to take the loss.
The Saltdogs bullpen combined for five innings of shutout ball to close the game: Wade Mackey went two before giving way to Butler, Brandon Cooney and P.J. Zocchi.
Alonso has hit three home runs and driven in nine runs the last two games. The Lincoln first baseman has hit four home runs in his first three games as a Saltdog at Haymarket Park. He finished 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI, and has now driven in 17 in 10 games played.
Mike Provencher went 3-for-4 with two runs, a double, and two RBI. Joe Spiers hit a two-run home run in the eighth, and Brad Payne registered a multi-hit effort as well.
Lincoln has scored 25 runs on 29 hits over the last two games.
The ‘Dogs host the Laredo Lemurs for the opener of a three-game set at Haymarket Park beginning Monday night at 7:05 p.m. Tommy Palica (1-1, 5.11) is expected to pitch against Chris Chavez (0-2, 7.84). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Monday is the summer’s first ‘Military Monday’ where all military personnel and their family members receive free reserved seat tickets. For tickets, call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.