LINCOLNMike Provencher stroked an RBI double for the Saltdogs but it wasn’t enough as the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks downed Lincoln 9-1 in an eight inning exhibition at Haymarket Park Friday morning.
 
Provencher’s slicing line drive sailed over the center fielder’s head in the bottom of the eighth inning, scoring Michael Derr to get the ‘Dogs on the scoreboard.
 
The Saltdogs were rallying in the bottom of the first, after RHP Chandler Barnard struck out two and shattered a bat in the top half, but stranded the bases loaded to keep the game scoreless.
 
OF Jon Gaston crushed a two-run home run out of the stadium in right to open the game’s scoring in the second inning.
 
Lincoln will conclude its home exhibition schedule with a game against Fargo-Moorhead Saturday at 5 p.m. at Levitt Stadium in York.
 
The Saltdogs open the 2012 campaign May 17 at Wichita with the home opener at Haymarket Park May 23 against Sioux City. Get your Saltdogs Five Pack (five lower-box tickets for just $50!) now by calling 402-474-BALL or by visiting www.saltdogs.com.