LINCOLN — With the season on the line, Nick Green came through in a major way, throwing seven strong innings to help the Saltdogs (2-2) extend the division series with a 9-2 victory over the Winnipeg Goldeyes in front of 1,331 fans at Haymarket Park Sunday night.
Green (1-0) went seven, allowing one run while scattering 11 hits to earn the victory, and force a do-or-die game five at Haymarket Park Monday night at 6:05 p.m.
The Saltdogs opened the game’s scoring with two runs in the second. After Brian Joynt singled and Jeremy Hamilton doubled, Winnipeg starter Matt Jackson balked home a run before Mike Gilmartin swatted a sacrifice fly.
Lincoln tallied four more in the second, with RBI singles from Joynt and Hamilton, and a two-out, two-run single from Gilmartin.
Green allowed Winnipeg to load the bases in the fourth, but induced two shallow fly outs before striking out Ryan Pineda to slam the door on the threat, and keep a 6-0 lead.
Luis Nunez added a two-out, two-run single in the fifth inning as Lincoln scored five of its nine runs with two outs.
Matt Forgatch went 3-for-4 with a double, walk, stolen base and RBI. Hamilton went 3-for-4 as well and they are each 8-for-16 on the series.
Nunez and Joynt also posted multi-hit games in a 13-hit effort for the Saltdogs.
The decisive game five is Monday night at 6:05 p.m. from Haymarket Park. RHP Joe Bisenius (0-1, 9.00) faces off against LHP Chris Salamida (1-0, 4.50) in a rematch of the series opener. The winner advances to the American Association Championship Series.
Radio coverage of game five of the A.A.D.S. begins Monday at 5:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240 with “At the Ballpark” and “The Obie Show.” Tickets are on sale now at www.saltdogs.com.