LINCOLN — Curt Smith had an awesome night in his return to Lincoln, leading the Saltdogs (29-23) to a 12-3 demolishing of the Amarillo Sox (29-22) in front of 2,887 fans at Haymarket Park Wednesday night.
Smith, a star for the 2011 Saltdogs, smoked a two-run double and two-run home run in his first three plate appearances.
The Saltdogs led 4-2 after the first, Smith's home run extended the advantage to 6-3 in the fifth, and Sean O'Connell put the game on ice with a three-run shot to right in the seventh.
Pete Parise (6-3) turned in seven strong innings, allowing three runs on eight hits while fanning five and walking one to earn the victory. Ryan Mitchell (6-3) pitched five frames, allowing six runs on six hits, walking four and striking out five to suffer the loss.
Smith finished 2-for-3 with two runs and four RBI in his first game in a 'Dogs uniform since 2011. Matt Forgatch and O'Connell each drove in three runs.
Lincoln bounced back from a nine-run loss Tuesday looking invigorated in the nine-run, series-opening win.
The clubs are back at it Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the four-game set. Two former big leaguers will be duking it out, as Mike Burns (2-3, 5.75) toes the slab for the 'Dogs against 11-year MLB vet Jason Johnson (4-2, 5.76) for the Sox. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come out to Haymarket Park for Thirsty Thursday, featuring $1 Busch Light cans and Pepsi fountain drinks!