KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Shairon Martis struck out nine and allowed just three hits as the Saltdogs (4-2) dispatched the Kansas City T-Bones (3-3) 5-1 in front of 2,693 fans at CommunityAmerica Ballpark Tuesday night.
After yielding a home run to Robbie Kuzdale to lead off the first inning, Martis flipped the proverbial doom switch.
The 29-year old righty fanned nine, walked just one and didn’t allow a hit after the second inning to earn the win, improving to 2-0.
Lincoln tied the game on a Christian Ibarra RBI double to right center in the third.
The ‘Dogs took their first lead of the series on a two-run single by Rene Leveret in the eighth, which came on an 0-2 pitch.
Evan Reed worked the final two frames to earn his second save.
Brett Zawacki (0-1) allowed three runs in 1 1/3 innings to take the loss.
The rubber match and road trip finale is set for Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Larkins (0-0, 4.77) is set to face RHP Sean Furney (1-0, 4.50). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
The ‘Dogs play their home opener Friday at Haymarket Park against Winnipeg with a fireworks show after the game. Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.