LINCOLN — Richard Salazar emerged the winner in an awesome pitcher’s duel as the Sioux City Explorers (30-37) edged the Saltdogs (24-41) 1-0 in front of 2,998 fans at Haymarket Park Friday night.
Salazar (5-6) went eight shutout innings, allowing just four hits while walking one and striking out a season-high eight to earn the victory.
Wade Mackey (4-1) pitched eight terrific frames, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out five and walking one to suffer the tough-luck loss.
The Explorers tallied the only run of the game on a Ryan Priddy opposite field solo home run in the top of the fifth, his sixth of the campaign.
Chris Bodishbaugh pitched a perfect ninth, striking out two to notch his 14th save.
The Saltdogs had a runner on second with no outs in the fourth, and runners on first and second with no out in the seventh but could not break through. Jimmy Rohan went 2-for-4 with a double.
Lincoln was shutout for the sixth time this season and lost their sixth game in a row.
The clubs are back at it Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the three-game set. Alberto Rolon (2-4, 7.63) will square off against Jason Jarvis (4-7, 5.18). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out to Haymarket Park Saturday night, 2 for 1 berm tickets, on Jimmy Buffet Night! The Cedar Island Band will be performing pre and post-game concerts and the ‘Dogs will be sporting special Hawaiian-themed jerseys to be auctioned off for a good cause.