LINCOLN — The Saltdogs (18-29) got more magnificent pitching as they walked off to beat the Grand Prairie AirHogs (18-30) 1-0 in the bottom of the 11th in front of 4,625 fans at Haymarket Park Friday night.
After Matt Forgatch sacrificed Aaron Payne to third base, Mike Gilmartin roped a one-out pitch into center field to give the Saltdogs their third straight victory.
The Saltdogs have allowed just two runs in 29 innings over the last three games.
Ryan Strufing pitched six scoreless in his professional debut, allowing just three singles and a walk while striking out six.
Conor Spink worked two perfect innings of middle relief and Marshall Schuler, in his return to the ‘Dogs, tossed a perfect ninth.
Zac Westcott (2-1) pitched the final two innings, allowing no hits and walks while hitting two batters and fanning three to earn the win.
Lincoln pitchers struck out a season-high 12 and walked just one. All three Grand Prairie hits were singles and none came later than the fifth inning.
Game two of the four-game series is Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. RHP Zach Varce (0-3, 5.72) is expected to pitch against RHP Brett Wallach (0-5, 4.44). Radio coverage begins at 5:35 p.m. on KFOR.
It’s a Souvenir Saturday featuring an Ameritas Red Saltdogs Jersey giveaway, commemorating the 15th season of Saltdogs baseball. Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.