WICHITA, Kan. — Shairon Martis delivered five sturdy frames and the Saltdogs (1-0) racked up 13 hits in a 6-1 victory over the Wichita Wingnuts (0-1) on Opening Night. 3,726 fans took in Thursday’s contest at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
After three singles in the top of the second to load the bases, Pat McKenna sent a missile into center field that skidded away from Harrison Kain and rolled all the way to the wall. Everybody scored to give Lincoln an early 4-0 cushion.
Martis (1-0) allowed just one run on four hits with four strikeouts and two walks to earn the win. Matt Shepherd, Zac Westcott and Evan Reed combined for four shutout frames of relief.
Wichita tallied its run on a Kain RBI single in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 5-1.
Rene Leveret went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI in his ‘Dogs debut. Christian Ibarra, Curt Smith and Luis Alen each had two hits.
Jon Link (0-1) surrendered six runs – five earned – in six innings to suffer the loss.
The teams meet for game two of the four-game series Friday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Larkins is expected to square off against Wichita LHP Anthony Capra. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
The ‘Dogs play their home opener May 27 at Haymarket Park against Winnipeg with a fireworks show after the game. Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.