LINCOLN — The Saltdogs (31-26) got great pitching, and exorcised some demons offensively to rout the Gary SouthShore RailCats (34-22) 13-2 in front of 2,574 fans at Haymarket Park Tuesday night.
David Espinosa led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI. Curt Smith went 2-for-5 with a double, triple and three RBI.
Mike Burns (4-3) was tremendous, going seven innings, allowing just one earned on six hits while striking out four and walking none to earn the victory.
The RailCats tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the sixth, on a Craig Maddox solo blast to right. The Saltdogs responded with two run the bottom of the sixth, three in the seventh, and six more in the eighth.
Burns, P.J. Zocchi and R.J. Rodriguez combined for nine walk-less innings as Lincoln evened up the series.
The 11-run victory was the largest of the season for Lincoln.
The clubs are back at it for the rubber match Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Moises Melendez (2-2, 5.14) will face Billy Spottiswood (2-1, 5.40). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out to Haymarket Park Wednesday night, as Joba Chamberlain will be on hand for his "Reviving Dreams" event.