NEWARK, N.J. — Omar Javier flustered Lincoln hitters for seven shutout innings as his Newark Bears (32-61) edged the Saltdogs (38-54) 2-1 at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium Saturday night.
Javier (2-2) tossed seven scoreless, allowing just three hits while striking out eight and walking one. The 24-year old summoned his inner-Sinnery, retiring the final 13 hitters he faced.
Both Bears runs were tallied in the second inning. The Saltdogs got their lone tally on David Espinosa two-out RBI single in the eighth inning.
Justin Edwards (4-8) pitched well in defeat, going seven innings while allowing two runs on six hits. He struck out three and didn’t walk anybody.
Stephen Holdren smoked a leadoff double in the top of the ninth but Jorge Vasquez retired the next three ‘Dogs for his 20th save. Holdren finished the night 2-for-4.
The clubs are back at it Sunday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. for the rubber match of the three-game set. Tony Butler (2-6, 4.62) will toe the slab for the ‘Dogs. Radio coverage begins at 11:35 a.m. on KFOR 1240.