SAINT PAUL, Minn. — In a masterfully pitched ballgame, the St. Paul Saints (60-38) legged out a run in the eighth to edge the Saltdogs (51-47) 1-0, clinching the North title in front of 7,953 fans at CHS Field Saturday night.
With the bases loaded and one out in the eighth, Nate Samson stroked a one hopper out to Cesar Valera, and was able to beat out the Tyler Urps throw to first, allowing Alonzo Harris to tally the game’s lone run.
The loss drops the Saltdogs into a tie for second with Gary, one back of Sioux City with two to play. Both the Explorers and RailCats hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the ‘Dogs.
Ryan Rodebaugh (2-2) pitched two perfect innings to earn the win. Shairon Martis (9-8) allowed the run in the eighth to take the loss.
Matt Larkins delivered another big time performance, throwing seven shutout innings, allowing just six base runners but took the no-decision.
Kody Knaus spun seven scoreless for the Saints.
Lincoln reached base just once in the final five innings, a two-out walk by Urps in the seventh.
The series continues Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 4:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.