SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Joe Bisenius was masterful as the Saltdogs (9-7) hung on to defeat the Sioux City Explorers (7-9) 4-2 in front of 1,034 fans at Lewis and Clark Park Sunday evening.
Bisenius (3-0) took a two-hit shutout into the ninth inning, before allowing a couple two-out runs. The Sioux City native went 8 2/3 innings, allowing just one earned on four hits while striking out 10 and walking one to earn the victory.
The Explorers had the tying runner on first base in the bottom of the ninth before R.J. Rodriguez struck out the final batter looking to pick up his league-high seventh save of the year.
Lincoln scored two in the first inning on David Espinosa and Dennis Raben RBI hits. The 'Dogs added two more in the top of the sixth on a Matt Forgatch two-run triple.
Jason Jarvis (2-2) pitched eight innings, allowing four runs on seven hits to take the loss.
Bisenius threw 115 pitches, 81 for strikes. The big right hander threw just 17 balls over the first seven innings.
The 'Dogs open up a four-game series in Fargo Monday night at 7:02 p.m. Pete Parise (2-0, 3.09) will get the start against Jake Laber (1-1, 2.87). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
The Saltdogs return home June 7 to take on the Explorers. For ticket information, please visit www.saltdogs.com.