LINCOLN — The Saltdogs (40-30) rallied back from an early five-run deficit to beat the Wichita Wingnuts (44-26) 9-7 in front of 6,302 fans at Haymarket Park Friday night.
In front of the largest crowd of the season, Lincoln battled back from the early hole, tying the game in the sixth on a two-out, two-run double from Robby Kuzdale.
One batter later Freddy Flores chipped a single to right to put Lincoln in front 8-7.
Jeff McKenzie (5-3) pitched two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win. Evan Reed worked the ninth, allowing a run but locking down his 17th save in 17 chances.
Stephen Shackleford and Shairon Martis combined for two perfect innings of middle relief after starter Ryan O’Sullivan was chased at the end of the fourth.
O’Sullivan allowed more than two runs for the first time since June.
Hannah Huston dazzled the crowd by performing the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America. It was the starlet’s first Lincoln performance since her second runner-up finish on NBC’s ‘The Voice.’
The series continues Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 6:05 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
It’s a Souvenir Saturday featuring Holmes Murphy Saltdogs Baseball Cards & Koozie Giveaway. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Great seats are still available at saltdogs.com.