LITTLE FALLS, N.J. — Mike Antonini struck out a record-setting 15 batters as the New Jackals (26-19) routed the Saltdogs (26-27) 10-2 in an inter-league game in front of 2,779 fans at Yogi Berra Stadium Saturday night.
Antonini (5-1) fanned 15 and didn't walk anyone in seven phenomenal innings, baffling Lincoln hitters with a big hooking curveball all night en route to a new Can-Am League record in strikeouts to earn the win.
After Luis Nunez tied the game at with a solo home run in the top of the fourth, his second in as many nights, New Jersey responded with seven runs on seven hits in the bottom of the fourth, driving Justin Kuks (4-1) from the game.
The Saltdogs struck out a season-high 16 times and suffered their largest defeat of the season, but did set a season-high with four double plays turned.
Omar Luna shined offensively for Lincoln, going 3-for-4 in the five-hole, as Kevin Howard was a late scratch from the starting lineup.
The clubs are back at it for the rubber game Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. CDT. RHP Nick Green (1-3, 4.89) is expected to pitch for Lincoln against LHP Tom Vessella (2-3, 9.24). Radio coverage begins at 12:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.