LINCOLN — The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (13-8) plated three runs in the first inning and were never truly threatened in a 5-2 victory over the Saltdogs (9-12) in front of 3,227 fans at Haymarket Park Thursday night.
The RedHawks capitalized on a walk, a hit batsman, and a wild pitch as they scored the three first-inning runs on just one hit.
Lincoln broke the shutout on the final play of the game as Brian Joynt double in two runs to right field but was thrown out at third on a 9-4-5 relay combination. The double extended Joynt's hit streak to 11 games.
Drew Bowlin (1-0) pitched six-plus innings, allowing no runs on five hits to earn the win. Joe Bisenius (1-1) went 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on five hits, walking two and striking out a season-high 12 in the loss.
Kevin Howard went 3-for-3 with a double, a stolen base and a walk for the 'Dogs.
Saltdogs first baseman Ian Gac had to leave the game during his at-bat in the bottom of the first inning with an injury.
Lincoln opens a three-game series with the Amarillo Sox Friday night at Haymarket Park. RHP Marquis Fleming (2-2, 1.37) will get the nod for the 'Dogs in the 7:05 p.m. series opener. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.