LINCOLN – The Saltdogs tallied five runs in the first, and six in the ninth, to punctuate a 13-3 exhibition victory over the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Haymarket Park Friday night.
Brian Joynt, Matt Forgatch and Eddie Young each delivered run-scoring base hits in the bottom of the first as Lincoln assumed an early 5-0 cushion.
After Winnipeg struck for two in the third, Trevor Martin responded for the ‘Dogs with a two-run homer in the fifth to make the score 7-2.
The Goldeyes notched a run in the seventh and trailed 7-3 after the top of the ninth, but elected to play the bottom of the ninth to get their pitcher some work.
Five of the first seven men reached base for the ‘Dogs in the last of the ninth before Kevin Howard cracked a grand slam into the visitor’s bullpen in right to end the pre-season affair.
The Saltdogs are now 3-1 in exhibition play, and will host Winnipeg in a pre-season game again Saturday at 12:05 p.m.
Saltdogs’ hitting lines:
Maikol Gonzalez, ss: 2-4, 2B, BB, 2 R
Trevor Martin, 2b: 2-5, HR, 2 RBI, R
Jon Gaston, cf: 1-4, RBI, 2 R, BB
Ian Gac, 1b: 1-4, 2B, 2 R, BB
Kevin Howard, dh: 1-5, HR, 5 RBI
Brian Joynt, rf: 1-4, RBI, R
Matt Forgatch, lf: 1-3, 2B, RBI, R, BB
Eddie Young, 3b: 2-4, RBI, R
Tyler Smith, c: 2-4, 2B, RBI, 2 R
Saltdogs’ pitching lines:
Zach Varce, rhp: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, K
Stephen Bougher, rhp: 3 IP, H, 0 ER, BB, 2 K, Win
Marshall Schuler, rhp: IP, 3 H, ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Conor Spink, lhp: IP, H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Jake Meiers, rhp: IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
The Saltdogs open up the 2014 on May 15 at Kansas City. The home opener is set for May 23 at 7:05 p.m. against Winnipeg. To get your Saltdogs Pick 5 ticket plan for just $45 today, call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.