LINCOLN — The Winnipeg Goldeyes (33-22) broke a late tie with six runs after the sixth inning to win the series opener 7-2 over the Saltdogs (22-34) at Haymarket Park Monday night.
Yurendell de Caster delivered a two-run double to the opposite field power alley off ‘Dogs reliever Ronny Morla to give the Fish a 3-1 lead in the top of the seventh. Winnipeg went on to tally two more in the inning before adding another pair in the eighth.
Alex Jones (2-0) pitched 1/3 of an inning in relief to snatch the win. Morla (0-3) allowed five runs on six hits in 1 2/3 inning to suffer his third loss in three appearances with the ‘Dogs.
Moises Melendez was terrific in a spot start for Lincoln, tossing five shutout innings while striking out five.
Winnipeg starter Rich Hawkins allowed just one run on three hits in 5 2/3 innings, and at one point retired 12 batters in a row.
Asif Shah led the ‘Dogs offensively, going 2-for-4 with a run and RBI.
The teams meet again Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the three-game set. Justin Edwards (2-4, 5.97) will be on the mound against Matthew Rusch (5-1, 2.52). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out to Haymarket Tuesday night with two for one berm tickets and Amigo’s $1 Taco Tuesday! For ticket information call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.