NEWARK, N.J. — David Espinosa and Jimmy Rohan each went deep as the Saltdogs (39-54) took care of business in a 9-5 rubber match victory over the Newark Bears (32-62) at Riverfront Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Espinosa’s two-run shot opened the game’s scoring in the top of the first. Rohan banged a two-run homer of his own in the fourth to give the ‘Dogs a 7-2 lead. It was Rohan’s third hit of the day and eighth of the weekend.
Tony Butler (3-6) pitched five innings, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out three and walking three to earn the win. Butler got a huge strikeout of Dan Coury with the bases loaded to end the fifth innings and keep Lincoln’s lead at four.
Rohan finished the day 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs. Espinosa went 2-for-5 with a home run, double, two RBI and two runs. Chris McMurray and Wilberto Ortiz each booked multi-hit games as well.
Conor Spink, Pete Parise, and P.J. Zocchi combined to toss three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one base runner to close out the game.
Former Saltdogs reliever (2010) Greg Lane (3-3) surrendered six earned in four innings to take the loss.
The ‘Dogs are off Monday and open a four-game series in Quebec against Can-Am club Capitales Tuesday night at 6:05 p.m. Ryan Sheldon (6-4, 4.02) will toe the slab for Lincoln.