WICHITA, Kan. — The Saltdogs tied the game with two outs in the ninth, and took their first lead in the 11th on a John Alonso double as they outlasted the Wichita Wingnuts 5-3 in 11 innings at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium Sunday afternoon.
With two outs and two on in the top of the ninth, Stephen Holdren hit a pop fly in shallow left center field that fell between three Wingnuts defenders, clearing the bases and tying the score at 3-3.
Two frames later, John Alonso launched a two-out, two-run double off the right field wall to supply Lincoln with its first lead of the afternoon, which it would not relinquish.
Pete Parise (1-0) worked two scoreless innings in relief to earn the win. P.J. Zocchi tossed a hitless 11th inning to notch his first save in his first appearance for the ‘Dogs this season. Nick Walters (0-1) allowed two runs to take the loss.
Leugim Barroso went 2-for-5 with a double, stolen base and two runs. Mike Provencher went 1-for-3 with an RBI, three walks and two runs in the lead-off spot. Holdren and Alonso finished with a two-run double a piece.
The Saltdogs struck out 18 times as a team, and drew nine walks in the 11-inning affair to salvage a season-opening series split.
Lincoln travels to Sioux City to open a four-game series with the Explorers beginning 7:05 p.m. Monday night. Justin Edwards (0-0, 7.71) is scheduled to pitch against Max Wheildon (0-0, 0.00). Radio coverage on KFOR 1240 begins at 6:35 p.m.
The Saltdogs’ home opener at Haymarket Park is May 23 against Sioux City. Get your Saltdogs Five Pack (five behind-the-plate tickets for just $50!) now by calling 402-474-BALL or by visiting www.saltdogs.com.