FARGO, N.D. — On a rainy Tuesday night, the Saltdogs (15-10) weathered the storm to beat the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (13-11) 6-3 in front of 3,506 fans at Newman Outdoor Field.
After a 59-minute delay, the ‘Dogs jumped in front on a Jon Smith sacrifice fly in the top of the first.
Following a Ryan Pineda equalizing home run, Dan Hennigan stroked a two-out RBI single to center to make it 2-1 in the top of the second.
The ‘Dogs broke the game open with four runs in the fifth, capped off by a Pat Kelly two-out, two-run double to left center.
Jeff McKenzie (1-2) was terrific for the ‘Dogs, allowing just one run over six innings while fanning five with no walks to earn the win.
Evan Reed worked a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.
Former ‘Husker Charlie Shirek (0-1) allowed four earned in 4 1/3 innings for the RedHawks.
Kelly finished the night 4-for-5 with a double and two RBI.
The game was delayed for eight minutes in the bottom of the sixth due to rain.
The clubs play game two of the three-game set Wednesday night at 7:02 p.m. RHP Matt Larkins is expected to face RHP Taylor Stanton. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
Lincoln returns home Friday night at 6:35 p.m. against Gary on a Fireworks Friday featuring Caribbean Music! Get your tickets now at saltdogs.com.