LINCOLN — Shairon Martis was brilliantly clinical but took a no-decision as the Kansas City T-Bones (41-33) edged the Saltdogs (29-47) 1-0 to take the series in front of 2,950 fans at Haymarket Park Thursday night.
Martis threw eight shutout innings, allowing just four singles while striking out four. The 28-year old from Willemstad, Curacao needed just 72 pitches – an astronishing 58 for strikes – but left the game due to shoulder tightness.
Kansas City capitalized on a lead-off walk in the ninth, and plated the game’s lone run on a Jake Blackwood one-out single.
Aaron Baker (3-0) worked a scoreless eighth in relief to get the win. Fernando Hernandez retired the side in order in the ninth to register his 16th save.
Kris Regas tossed seven scoreless innings, striking out seven while also taking a no-decision.
Matt Forgatch went 2-for-4 but was caught stealing twice. The Lincoln center fielder has now hit safely in six straight games.
The Saltdogs open a three-game series hosting the reigning Can-Am League champion Rockland Boulders Friday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Chase Cunningham (0-0, 3.00) is expected to face LHP Richard Salazar (11-2, 3.16). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
Get your tickets for the Fireworks Friday event now at www.saltdogs.com!