WICHITA, Kan. — Kevin McGovern threw eight shutout innings, and the Saltdogs (8-15) capitalized on the newly-adopted international extra-inning rule to beat the Wichita Wingnuts (14-8) 4-2 in 11 innings and salvage a series split in front of 1,898 fans at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium Sunday afternoon.
With the game scoreless through 10 innings, Lincoln began the top of the 11th with a runner on second base (the American Association adopted the international extra-inning rule for 2015).
After Eddie Young flew out to center and Mitch Canham reached on an infield single, Jon Gaston ripped a base hit to right to give the Saltdogs a 1-0 lead.
Following a groundout, Jeremy Hamilton, Matt Forgatch and Brian Joynt produced three straight two-out RBI singles to make it 4-0.
The Wingnuts tallied two in the bottom of the 11th before Zach Arneson induced a fly out to the warning track in centerfield to end the game.
McGovern pitched eight sparkling frames, allowing just five hits while striking out seven and walking three. Dan Child (1-0) threw two perfect innings of relief to earn the win.
Matt Forgatch made a potential home run robbing catch of Joash Brodin over the left field fence to keep the game scoreless in the fourth inning.
Gaston finished 4-for-5 with an RBI, becoming the second Saltdogs player to collect four hits in a game in 2015. Mitch Canham went 3-for-5 to raise his league-leading batting average to .477.
Al Yevoli (2-1) surrendered four runs, three earned in 2/3 of an inning to take the loss.
Tim Brown pitched eight shutout frames for the Wingnuts, allowing just six hits while striking out two and walking zero.
The Saltdogs begin a four-game series with division-leading Sioux City Monday night at 7:05 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Park. RHP Shairon Martis will pitch for the ‘Dogs against RHP Dustin Loggins. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Lincoln returns home June 19 for Fireworks Friday, a 7:05 p.m. game against Joplin. Get your tickets now at saltdogs.com.