LINCOLN — Mark Hardy twirled a gem as the Winnipeg Goldeyes (7-0) downed the Saltdogs (4-4) 4-1 in front of 4,855 fans on Haymarket Park's Opening Night Thursday.
Hardy (2-0) pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine and walking zero to earn the win.
The Goldeyes scored two runs in the second and two more in the third to build an early 4-0 lead. Nathan Moreau (0-1) surrendered the four runs on eight hits in four innings to suffer the loss.
Yasel Gomez's two-out single sparked the lone Lincoln run of the night, which was ultimately driven in by Stephen Douglas with a single.
Winnipeg compiled 11 hits and drew 10 walks but stranded 14 runners on base.
Douglas finished the night 2-for-4 with a RBI as well as an outfield assist to home plate from right field.
Despite walking five guys in five innings of relief, the 'Dogs bullpen looked very strong. Moises Melendez, Stayton Thomas and Travis Parker did not allow any runs and gave up just three hits.
The Saltdogs and Goldeyes meet Friday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the four-game series. Ben Henry (0-0, 4.50) takes the hill for Lincoln against Justin Garcia (1-0, 2.84). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Great tickets are still available for Friday night's game featuring a Fireworks Spectacular after the contest! Go to www.saltdogs.com to get a ticket in the Home Run Terrace, all-you-can-eat hot dogs, and all-you-can-drink Pepsis for just $12.