LINCOLN, Nebraska – Greg Minier allowed one unearned run over six innings, Steffon Moore picked up his seventh save, and the ‘Dogs beat the Kansas City Monarchs, 4-1, in the series finale at Haymarket Park on Sunday afternoon.
Minier picked up his fourth win of the year and has an ERA of 2.41 through 10 starts, and the ‘Dogs held on to an early lead to beat the Monarchs for the first time this season.
Lincoln (26-25) took a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Gabby Guerrero dropped a fly ball from Garett Delano and was charged with an error that allowed two runs to score. Lincoln’s next hitter Skyler Weber hit an RBI single to score a third unearned run.
The ‘Dogs added to the lead on an RBI groundout from Patrick Caulfield in the 2nd inning. Lincoln held on to that 4-0 lead until the 6th inning, when Guerrero got Kansas City (34-18) on the board with a sacrifice fly.
Matt Cronin struck out three batters over two shutout innings, and Steffon Moore worked around a walk and a single in the 9th inning for his seventh save of the year.
Welington Dotel had an infield single in the 1st inning and now has hits in nine straight games – Lincoln’s longest active hitting streak.
Caulfield had four RBIs in the series and has hit safely in six of his first eight games as a professional.
The Saltdogs have finished the first half of the regular season and will now have three days off for the All-Star Break.
Lincoln will begin the second half of the regular season on Thursday night in Cleburne, Texas. First pitch against the Railroaders is scheduled for 7:06 p.m., and pregame coverage will begin at 6:35 p.m. on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are playing their 21st season in Lincoln! Visit saltdogs.com and follow us @saltdogsball on all social media for information regarding tickets and promotions all season long.