SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Matt Forgatch delivered the big hit and the Saltdogs (8-7) bullpen was lights out in a 7-4 victory over the Sioux City Explorers (7-8) in front of 694 fans on a chilly Saturday night at Lewis and Clark Park.
Forgatch doubled in two runs with two out in the top of the seventh to give Lincoln a 5-4 lead. Forgatch finished the night with three RBI.
Eddie McKiernan (2-1) pitched two scoreless innings of middle relief to earn the victory. P.J. Zocchi worked a perfect eighth and R.J. Rodriguez retired the side in the ninth for his sixth save.
Daniel Carroll led off the game with his third home run of the season, part of a three-run first inning.
The Explorers tied the game with three in the third, with just one earned, before taking the lead by tacking on an unearned run in the fifth.
Ian Gac and Dennis Raben each had three hits for the Saltdogs. Lincoln totaled 11 hits and left 11 runners on base.
The clubs meet for the rubber match Sunday evening at 6:05 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 5:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
The Saltdogs return home June 7 to take on the Explorers. For ticket information, please visit www.saltdogs.com.