LINCOLN — In just their fourth game at home this month, the road-tested Saltdogs (31-30) overcame an early deficit to defeat the Amarillo Sox (20-41) 5-2 in front of 2,572 fans at Haymarket Park Tuesday night.
After a pair of errors led to two unearned in the top of the second, Lincoln responded quickly with two runs on three hits with a stolen bases in the home half of the frame to even up the series opener.
Following a Brian Joynt opposite-field triple to lead off the third inning, All-Star slugger Ian Gac mashed a two-run homer to right center to give the Saltdogs a 4-2 lead.
Kevin McGovern (2-0) turned in a wonderful encore to last week's shutout, spinning 7 2/3 innings, allowing two unearned runs on six hits with no walks and four strikeouts to earn the win.
Lincoln's set-up man Jhonny Montoya entered the game in the eighth with a runner on second and two out, striking out the dangerous Joe Weik to segue to All-Star closer Marshall Schuler's 20th save of the year.
The Saltdogs are now over the .500 mark for the third time this year (4-3; 29-28).
Despite playing in only 44 games after missing much of June with a groin injury, Gac ranks second in the American Association with 14 home runs.
Lincoln played 15 of its first 18 games on the road in July prior to Tuesday's 10-game home stand opener.
The clubs are back at it Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the three-game series. RHP Marquis Fleming (6-3, 3.00) is scheduled to pitch for the 'Dogs against RHP Matt Larkins (5-3, 3.69) for Amarillo. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Wednesday is Fan Feast at Haymarket Park, so come out and sample great foods from local restaurants with proceeds benefitting Lincoln Food Bank. Tickets are available at www.saltdogs.com.