LINCOLN — Lindsey Caughel threw a complete game and Rene Leveret drove in four as the Saltdogs (8-6) downed the Texas AirHogs (6-8) 6-2 in front of 3,029 fans at Haymarket Park Thursday night.
Caughel (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits, striking out nine and walking one to earn the win in the wire-to-wire gem.
The 25-year old right hander from Orlando, Fla. took a perfect game into the fifth, and retired the side in order in seven of the nine frames.
The Saltdogs scored a pair of two-out runs in the opening inning: Leveret hooked an RBI single down the left field line and stole second base, forcing a throwing error to allow Christian Ibarra to come home.
Lincoln added another on a Leveret two-out RBI single in the third, which proved to be the difference.
Nick Akins reached on an infield single with one out in the fifth to spoil the perfect-game bid, and homered to lead off the seventh.
Leveret finished 3-for-3 with a steal and season-high four RBI.
The ‘Dogs head to Winnipeg for a quick weekend series against the Goldeyes. First pitch is at 7 p.m. Friday with RHP Shairon Martis set to face LHP Kyle Anderson.
Radio coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
Lincoln returns home to Haymarket Park Monday night to host the Sioux Falls Canaries at 6:35 p.m. Bark in the Park! w/ Raising Cane’s Dog Bandana Giveaway (first 100 dogs). Wachal Wiener Dog Races. FREE admission for Military and their family.