FARGO, N.D. — The Saltdogs (16-10) stranded the tying run at third to hold off the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (13-12) 4-3 — winning for the seventh time in their last eight games — in front of 2,818 fans at Newman Outdoor Field Wednesday night.
After the RedHawks scored a quick run and put the tying run at second with no out in the bottom of the ninth, Stephen Shackleford was summoned from the bullpen.
Shackleford booked a pop out and two strikeouts and closed out the game with runners on the corners to earn the high-stress save.
Matt Larkins (4-0) pitched eight-plus innings, allowing three runs to earn the victory.
Mike Gilmartin launched a two-run homer in the first before Fargo quickly tied the game in the bottom-half.
Brand Jacobs hit a two-out, RBI single to put Lincoln in front in the fourth and Curt Smith added a two-out, opposite-field homer in the fifth.
The Saltdogs go for the series sweep Thursday night at 7:02 p.m. RHP Ryan O’Sullivan is expected to face LHP Tyler Alexander. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
Lincoln returns home Friday night at 6:35 p.m. against Gary on a Fireworks Friday featuring Caribbean Music! Get your tickets now at saltdogs.com.