ST. PAUL, Minn. — Robert Coe once again completely dominated the Lincoln lineup, allowing just one hit in another complete game performance as the St. Paul Saints (53-16) blanked the Saltdogs (26-42) 6-0 in front of 8,445 fans at CHS Field Wednesday night.
Coe (7-3) took a perfect game one-out into the seventh inning before walking Aaron Payne. Curt Smith reached on an infield single in the eighth to end the no-hit bid.
The 27-year old right-hander threw a complete game against the ‘Dogs on July 23, and topped that effort Wednesday, with five strikeouts and just one walk to earn the victory.
Angelo Songco blasted a two-out, two-strike, opposite-field three-run homer to open the game’s scoring the third.
Songco finished the night 2-for-4 with four RBI to overtake teammate Vinny DiFazio for the league’s RBI lead with 65.
Kevin McGovern (4-5) pitched six innings, allowing five runs on eight hits to suffer the loss.
Game two of the three-game series is Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Casey Collins (1-0, 6.17) is set to face RHP Dustin Crenshaw (11-1, 2.07). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.