WINNIPEG, Man. — The Goldeyes (18-6) knocked in an eight-ball in the first inning and hung on to defeat the Saltdogs (11-15) 10-6 in front of 5,512 fans at Shaw Park Tuesday night.
Winnipeg scored eight times on five hits with three walks, as Jino Gonzalez was removed from the game after just 2/3 of an inning on his first start back from the disabled list.
The Goldeyes added two more in the fifth to take a 10-0 lead.
Rich Hawkins (2-0) handled the ‘Dogs with ease, tossing six innings while allowing no runs on three hits to earn the win. Gonzalez (0-3) gave up eight runs in 2/3 of an inning to absorb the loss.
The Saltdogs ended a 25 2/3 inning scoreless drought with two unearned tallied in the seventh. Then they added two more in each the eighth and ninth, ultimately getting the possible tying run into the on-deck circle before the game ended.
Stephen Holdren finished 3-for-5 with a double, a run and two RBI. Jared McDonald went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI and Joe Spiers registered a multi-hit game as well.
Lincoln has now dropped three games in a row for the first time this season. Winnipeg runs its win streak to six.
The teams meet again Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. for the finale of the three-game set. Ryan Sheldon (2-1, 3.07) will take the mound against Ace Walker (3-0, 3.00). The game will be broadcast online only at www.kfor1240.com and www.saltdogs.com.
The next Saltdogs homestand at Haymarket Park begins Thursday, June 14 as the ‘Dogs host Fargo-Moorhead on ‘Thirsty Thursday!’ For ticket information call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.