LINCOLN — J.J. Muse delivered a late RBI double in his first at bat to lead the El Paso Diablos (20-31) to a 3-2 win in 12 innings over the Saltdogs (20-33) in front of 4,031 fans at Haymarket Park Friday night.
Muse came in as a pinch runner in the 10th and came through with what proved to be the game-winner in the top of the 12th. It was the first run scored by either team since Scott Clement tied the game at 2-2 with a solo home run to left center.
Kyle Cremers (2-3) pitched three innings, allowing just one hit while walking two and striking out one to earn the win. Ronny Morla (2-6) gave up a run on two hits in two innings of relief to take the loss for the second straight night.
Five El Paso relievers combined to throw seven shutout innings.
Saltdogs got a game-tying RBI double by Mike Provencher and a go-ahead RBI fielder’s choice by John Alonso in the bottom of the first but would not score the rest of the game.
Tommy Palica pitched seven innings for the second consecutive start, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out six and walking two.
The teams meet again Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. for game three of the four-game series. Ryan Sheldon (4-2, 3.90) will pitch for the Saltdogs. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out Saturday night for a big Fireworks Show sponsored by Pepsi! All berm tickets are two for one. For ticket information please call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.