LAREDO, Texas — Ian Gac homered and Conor Spink was spectacular in relief but the Saltdogs (21-23) three-game win streak came to an end in a 6-5 defeat to the Laredo Lemurs (23-20) in front of 2,508 fans at Uni-Trade Stadium Wednesday night.
After falling behind 6-2 through seven innings, Gac swatted a two-run home run to left center to highlight a three-run eighth inning rally to pull Lincoln to within a run.
Tyler Pearson (5-4) pitched seven innings, allowing just one earned on four hits while walking six and fanning four to earn the win.
Spink pitched three hitless innings to close out the game for the 'Dogs. The left-hander from Eagle River, Alaska entered with the bases loaded and no out in the sixth and got out of the jam unscathed thanks to a pop out and a double play.
Spink's has allowed one earned run in 22 2/3 innings on the season, lowering his outstanding ERA to 0.40.
Nick Green (1-3) surrendered six runs on six hits with six walks in five-plus innings to suffer the loss.
Gac is now 6-for-10 with two home runs and six RBI so far this week in Laredo.
Saltdogs catcher Tyler Smith threw out three out of four attempting base stealers.
The start of the game was delayed 65 minutes due to rain.
The clubs play the rubber game Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. RHP Zachary Varce (2-3, 4.02) is scheduled to face LHP Casey Harman (1-0, 4.97). Radio coverage begins at 7:06 p.m. on KFOR 1240.