LAREDO, Texas — Matt Larkins pitched a complete game but the Laredo Lemurs (32-23) protected a first-inning lead the whole night in a 1-0 victory over the Saltdogs (30-23) in front of 901 fans at Uni-Trade Stadium Friday night.
The loss snaps a seven-game win streak for the division-leading Saltdogs.
Laredo catcher Zane Chavez singled home Ty Morrison in a four-hit first inning, which proved to be enough.
The Saltdogs were unable to score after putting runners on second and third with one out in the seventh.
Lincoln again came up empty in a runner on third, one-out scenario in the eighth.
Larkins (6-2) allowed one run on 11 hits, striking out four and walking one (intentionally) to suffer the loss.
Luis Alen went 2-for-4 to extend his hit streak to seven games.
Ryan Beckman (5-5) pitched seven shutout innings to earn the win. Luis Pollorena worked a hitless ninth to book his second save.
The series continues Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Lindsey Caughel is expected to face LHP Josue Montanez.
Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.