LINCOLN — Kearney native Ryan Sheldon spun seven spectacular innings and John Alonso blasted another home run as the Saltdogs blanked the Laredo Lemurs 4-0 in front of 2,650 fans at Haymarket Park Tuesday night.
Sheldon (2-0) dominated in his third start of the season, striking out seven and walking zero while allowing just five hits to earn the win. Sheldon did not allow any Lemurs into scoring position after the first inning.
Brad Payne put the ‘Dogs on the board with an RBI triple to right center, scoring Asif Shah with two outs in the fourth. Lincoln added some cushion in the sixth on a two-run, opposite field home run by Alonso, his fifth of the season.
Matt Way (1-1) went 6 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits while striking out 10 to absorb the loss.
Alonso has now driven in 19 runs in 12 games played so far this season, leading the American Association in both long balls and RBI.
Nate Wilder, a Lincoln native and North Star grad, drilled a line drive into center field to lead off the seventh for his first professional hit.
The teams meet again Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. for the rubber game at Haymarket Park. Chandler Barnard (0-1, 7.45) is expected to pitch against Stephen Kahn (0-1, 5.87). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out to Haymarket Park for ‘Wing Wednesday’ featuring six wings from Cappy’s for just $5! For tickets call 402-474-BALL or visit www.saltdogs.com.