LINCOLN — The Saltdogs (18-14) scored four times in the eighth to bounce back and beat the Winnipeg Goldeyes (16-16) 7-3 in front of 2,596 fans at Haymarket Park Wednesday night.
After Winnipeg relievers walked the bags full in the bottom of the eighth, Rene Leveret smacked a two-run single to left followed by a Luis Alen two-run chipped single to right.
Ryan O’Sullivan pitched seven strong innings, allowing three runs while fanning five and walking one. O’Sullivan retired the final eight batters he faced but did not factor into the decision.
Brad Orosey (1-0) worked a perfect eighth to notch the win.
Ryan Wiggins and Curt Smith each hit solo home runs in the third to put Lincoln ahead 3-2.
The Goldeyes quickly drew even with a Tanner Murphy RBI single in the fourth.
Leveret finished 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Smith made a terrific diving catch in right field to eliminate David Rohm’s extra-base hit bid in the top of the eighth.
The clubs play the rubber game Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Lindsey Caughel is expected to face RHP Edwin Carl.
Radio coverage begins at 6:05 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM and the online stream begins at 6:30 p.m. on AmericanAssociationBaseball.TV.
Tomorrow is Buck Night! w/ $1 Hot Dogs, Soda, Popcorn & Busch Light! Also $2 Domestic Draws & $3 Craft Beer Draws! College Students get $5 tickets for any section! (College ID Required).
Great seats still available at saltdogs.com.