LINCOLN — The Saltdogs (22-33) used their speed in the bottom of the seventh inning to break open a tie ballgame and hung on for a 4-2 series-closing victory over the El Paso Diablos (20-33) at Haymarket Park Sunday evening.
With the score tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh, new Saltdogs center fielder Sean Smith hustled out an infield single. After advancing to second base on a throwing error by the pitcher, Smith came in to score the go-ahead run on a Justin Harper wild pitch.
David Espinosa added a sacrifice fly and Stephen Holdren tacked on a RBI double to center to give the ‘Dogs a 4-1 lead after seven innings.
Wade Mackey (4-0) pitched seven terrific innings in his first start since returning from the disabled list. The Waco, Texas native allowed just one run on seven hits and didn’t walk anybody. P.J. Zocchi allowed a run on one hit with two strikeouts in the ninth to notch his 12th save.
Smith, Holdren and John Alonso all recorded multi-hit efforts as Lincoln salvaged a four-game split with El Paso by winning the final two games.
The Saltdogs host Winnipeg Monday night at 7:05 p.m. for the first of a three-game set. Moises Melendez (0-1, 8.68) is expected to start for Lincoln. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Monday night is ‘Dog Days of Summer’ at the ballpark where dogs get in free! For ticket information call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.