LINCOLN — Chris Chavez stymied the Saltdogs bats, allowing just five hits in a complete game victory as the Laredo Lemurs downed Lincoln 7-2 in the series opener at Haymarket Park Monday night.
Chavez (1-2) struck out six, and walked two to go the distance and provide much-needed relief for the Laredo bullpen, which had been taxed over the weekend in Amarillo.
Asif Shah drove in the lone runs for the Saltdogs; smashing a majestic solo home run to right center in the fourth and producing a sacrifice fly in the ninth.
Tommy Palica (1-2) allowed four earned runs in four innings, walking four and fanning three to suffer the loss.
John Alonso clubbed a ground rule double in the bottom of the ninth to extend his league leading hit streak to 11 games.
The Saltdogs committed three errors, and stranded three runners on third base in the first three innings.
Newest Saltdog Tony Butler worked four innings of middle relief, allowing a run on three hits.
The teams meet Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the three game series. Ryan Sheldon (1-0, 4.36) is scheduled to pitch against Matt Way (1-0, 2.00). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out to Haymarket Park for “Taco Tuesday,” featuring $1 hard shell or soft shell tacos courtesy of Amigo’s. For tickets call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.