WINNIPEG, Man. — The Saltdogs (9-7) jumped out to a big early lead and held on late to even up the weekend series 7-5 against the Winnipeg Goldeyes (9-7) in front of 4,340 fans at Shaw Park Saturday night.
Lincoln pounced for three runs in the opening inning, beginning with a Christian Ibarra RBI double off the wall and ending with a Curt Smith two-run blast to left center.
The Saltdogs built a 6-1 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth and a 7-2 advantage going into the last of the sixth.
Winnipeg plated two unearned runs in the sixth to get back into the game, bringing the possible tying run to plate in three of the final four frames.
Jeff McKenzie worked a perfect ninth to earn his third save of the season.
Matt Larkins (2-0) pitched six innings, yielding two earned on eight hits, striking out six and walking two to pick up the win.
Ibarra finished the game 3-for-4 with three doubles, two runs and an RBI. Curt Smith went 2-for-2 with two runs, two walks and two RBI.
The Saltdogs improved to 7-1 when scoring five or more runs and 7-2 when scoring first.
The clubs play the rubber game Sunday at 1:05 p.m. LHP Bennett Parry is expected to face LHP Kevin McGovern. Radio coverage begins at 12:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
Lincoln returns home to Haymarket Park Monday night to host the Sioux Falls Canaries at 6:35 p.m. Bark in the Park! w/ Raising Cane’s Dog Bandana Giveaway (first 100 dogs). Wachal Wiener Dog Races. FREE admission for Military and their family.