LINCOLN — Stephen Holdren pierced an opposite field home run in the bottom of the ninth but it was too little, too late as the Saltdogs (12-19) fell to the St. Paul Saints (16-14) 8-3 in front of 2,593 fans at Haymarket Park Monday night.
The Saints jumped out to an early 3-0 lead on a first-inning homer by Ole Sheldon, his eighth. They tacked on three unearned runs thanks to two Lincoln errors in the fourth to go ahead 7-0.
Alberto Rolon (2-2) pitched six innings, allowing one run on three hits while walking four and striking out four to earn the win in his first start back from the disabled list.
Holdren finished the night 2-for-3 with a home run (his third), a walk and two RBI.
Ryan Sheldon (3-2) went 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs – four earned – on seven hits while fanning five to suffer the loss.
The ‘Dogs bullpen combined for 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on three hits.
Lincoln has now dropped a season-high four games in a row. The win snapped a three-game skid for St. Paul.
The teams meet again Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the three-game set. Wade Mackey (1-0, 3.67) is scheduled to pitch for the ‘Dogs. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out to Haymarket Park for Taco Tuesday, featuring $1 hard shell or soft shell tacos from Amigo’s. It’s also Superhero Night at the ballyard! For ticket information call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.