LINCOLN — Kevin Howard drove in three more runs to support a masterful Nick Green as the Saltdogs (18-21) downed the Laredo Lemurs (20-18) 4-1 to take the series in front of 2,938 fans at Haymarket Park Wednesday night.
Green (1-2) pitched eight innings, allowing just an unearned run on four hits, striking out four and walking two to earn the win. After walking the lead-off man of the game and surrendering an unearned tally in the first, Green retired 14 consecutive hitters and 19 out of 20.
Howard evened the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the first on a RBI single, plating Chad Mozingo who was removed the game as a precaution with a leg injury after the second.
The 'Dogs took the lead with an unearned run in the third and added two insurance runs on Howard and Omar Luna RBI hits in the eighth.
Tyler Pearson (4-4) was nearly as impressive as Green, going seven innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out 11 and walking one but suffered the loss.
Marshall Schuler pitched a hitless ninth for his league-leading 12th save of the year.
Howard finished 2-for-4 with three RBI, finishing the three-game set with seven RBI.
Saltdogs pitching held the league's best offense to just five earned runs over the three games, highlighted by Green's buzz saw effort Wednesday.
Lincoln is off Thursday and welcomes Wichita to Haymarket Park for a weekend series beginning Friday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Zachary Varce (2-2, 3.95) is expected to pitch against RHP Tim Brown (5-2, 3.14).
Pepsi Fireworks Spectaculars will follow both Friday and Saturday night's games. Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.