LINCOLN — The bullpen was tremendous and Tommy Collaro delivered the game-winning hit as the Saltdogs (17-23) edged the Kansas City T-Bones (22-20) 3-2 in front of 4,349 fans at Haymarket Park Saturday night.
With the bases loaded, two outs and a 1-2 count in the bottom of the eighth, Collaro punched a single to center field, scoring Mike Provencher to give the ‘Dogs a 3-2 lead.
Three relievers combined for 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball to earn the win (Brandon Cooney) and the save (P.J. Zocchi). Conor Spink induced a huge double play in the sixth to limit the Kansas City damage and preserve a 2-2 tie.
After Brandon Jones spanked a solo home run to right center in the top of the first, Lincoln responding by tallying two runs in the bottom-half on a David Espinosa RBI single and Jimmy Rohan run-scoring ground out.
Zocchi has saved both ballgames this series and now has 10 on the season, tied for the American Association lead.
Espinosa had a big game, going 3-for-3 with a run, RBI, walk and stolen base.
The teams meet again Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m. for game three of the four-game set. Ricardo Estevez (0-0, 0.00) will make his ‘Dogs debut against Devin Anderson (1-4, 4.43). Radio coverage begins at 4:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out to Haymarket Park Sunday evening for McDonald’s Family Fun Sunday featuring Baseball Bingo! For ticket information please call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.