PITCHING, KELLY PROPEL ‘DOGS IN EXHIBITION OPENER

LINCOLN — Six pitchers combined to throw a two-hit shutout, and former Husker Pat Kelly whacked a two-run double late as the Saltdogs blanked the Kansas City T-Bones 2-0 in their exhibition opener at Haymarket Park Tuesday night.

With “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” echoing throughout the warm Lincoln air from ‘Diamond Dan’s’ infamous organ, there was nary a run to be found.

Chase Harris reached on a one-out error in the bottom of the seventh for the ‘Dogs. After a Ryan Wiggins walk, Kelly slotted a two-run double into the right center field alley way to produce what would prove to be the winning tallies.

Matt Larkins set the tone early with three shutout innings, allowing just one base runner and striking out one. The burly right-hander capped off his outing with an impressively quick-reflexed snare of a low line drive to begin an inning-ending double play.

After Lindsey Caughel spun two shutout frames, four Saltdogs pitchers combined to not allow a hit the rest of the way.

Zac Westcott worked a perfect seventh to book the win. Patrick Mincey tossed an unblemished ninth to notch the save.

Rene Leveret went 1-for-1 with three walks. McKenna went 1-for-2 with two walks.

Harris made a spectacular diving catch down the right field line to rob Tyler Massey of a lead off extra-base hit in the top of the ninth.

The Saltdogs continue exhibition play Thursday night at Plum Creek Memorial Field in Seward. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. with a pre-game autograph session with the ‘Dogs players and MLB All-Star and World Series Champion Jamie Moyer.

Tickets are $12, and with your ticket you’ll receive a ticket voucher for the June 19th ballgame against Gary SouthShore at Haymarket Park. Tickets can be purchased through the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership or at the gate the night of the game.

Lincoln opens up the regular season May 19 at Wichita. For ticket information, visit www.saltdogs.com or call 402-474-2255.