LINCOLN — The Saltdogs (9-11) split a snugly-contested double header with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (12-8), losing game one 5-4 and taking the night cap 3-2 in eight innings, in front of 2,897 fans at Haymarket Park Wednesday night.
After playing five straight games without an error, Lincoln was sloppy in the first game, committing three errors in the fourth inning and falling behind 5-0.
The 'Dogs scored a run in the sixth and three in the seventh, but stranded the possible tying run in scoring position in the seven-inning contest.
Brian Ernst (1-2) pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits, striking out six and walking three to earn the win. T.J. Bozeman (1-1) surrendered five runs – one earned – in five innings to suffer the loss. Nate Garcia worked the final 2/3 of an inning to secure his seventh save.
In the second game, Nick Green pitched six shutout innings, and Chad Mozingo came through with a pair of two-out, RBI singles as the Saltdogs carried a 2-0 lead into the top of the seventh.
After closer Marshall Schuler retired the first two RedHawks batters, he walked the bases loaded then allowed a two-run single to Nic Jackson as the Hawks tied the game.
With runners on the corners and two out in the bottom of the eighth, Saltdogs catcher Chris Anderson lined a single to left center, scoring Kevin Howard to give the 'Dogs a 3-2 walk-off win in the night cap.
Conor Spink (3-0) pitched a scoreless eighth to earn the win. Eric Kline (0-1) allowed one run in 2/3 of an inning to suffer the loss.
The clubs play the finale of the four-game set Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Joe Bisenius (1-0, 2.88) will take the hill for Lincoln against RHP Taylor Stanton (0-2, 3.70). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.