WICHITA, Kan. — Following a rain delay, Pete Parise turned in another strong outing, and the Saltdogs (34-27) whacked a couple big hits in the third to defeat the Wichita Wingnuts (41-20) 5-1 in front of 3,081 fans at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium Saturday night.
Parise (7-4) pitched seven innings, allowing one run on eight hits while striking out four and walking one to earn the victory.
After Wichita starting pitcher Anthony Capra walked the bases loaded in the third, Jon Gaston sliced a two-run double to left center and Matt Forgatch chased with a two-run triple to right center, giving the 'Dogs a 4-0 lead.
The Wingnuts scored their run on a John Rodriguez infield single in the sixth. Lincoln added an insurance run in the ninth on a Ian Gac infield knock, following a Mike Coles double and stolen base.
The Saltdogs are now 20-8 this season when scoring five or more runs.
The start of the game was delayed 65 minutes due to thunderstorms.
The clubs are back at it Sunday afternoon at 3:15 p.m. for the finale. The Saltdogs look to make it three in a row against the Central division leaders. Former MLB hurlers and Milwaukee Brewers teammates Mike Burns (4-3, 4.59) and Chris Smith (6-3, 3.57) will toe the slab for their respective teams. Radio coverage begins at 2:45 p.m. on KFOR 1240.