LINCOLN — Matt Forgatch and Tyler Goodro delivered two huge hits late as the Saltdogs (17-13) were able to ward off the feisty Kansas City T-Bones (13-17) 7-6 in front of 3,232 fans at Haymarket Park Sunday evening.
With the score tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the eighth, Forgatch singled in Daniel Carroll to put Lincoln in front. One batter later, Goodro spanked a two-run double off the wall in right center to make it 7-4 Saltdogs.
It turned out Lincoln would need the insurance, as closer R.J. Rodriguez surrendered two runs in the top of the ninth before getting a fly out to end the game and notch his 11th save.
Kansas City overcame a 4-1 deficit after six innings, and nearly a 7-4 hole after eight, but left the possible tying run on second base.
P.J. Zocchi (3-0) gave up his first run of the season, a solo home run to Matt Padgett in the eighth, but got the win. Jhonny Montoya (1-1) allowed three runs in the last of the eighth to suffer the loss.
The Saltdogs drew a season-high 13 walks in the victory, to take three of four from the T-Bones this weekend.
Stephen Douglas went 2-for-4 with a home run, his third. The T-Bones hit three home runs: Padgett (9), Devin Goodwin (5) and Steven Yoo (1).
Matt Bywater took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. The Lincoln lefty finished with six innings, allowing one run on one hit while striking out six and walking three.
The Saltdogs open a three-game series with the Sioux City Explorers Monday night at 7:05 p.m. at Haymarket Park. Joe Bisenius (3-2, 2.89) will square off against Josh Rainwater (1-5, 8.69). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.