LINCOLN — Jesse Smith turned in another wonderful start for the home stand and the bullpen clamped down as the Saltdogs (10-22) staved off the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (9-23) 2-1 in front of 2,401 fans at Haymarket Park Tuesday night.
Smith (2-3), the former East High Spartan ace, threw 7 1/3 innings, allowing one run on eight hits while striking out a club season-high eight and walking zero to earn the win.
Moises Melendez inherited runners on the corners with one out in the eighth and induced a ground ball to third, which resulted in a terrific around-the-horn double play by Eddie Young-to-Aaron Payne-to-Jeremy Hamilton.
After Melendez plunked Drew Muren to begin the top of the ninth, Mackenzie King entered from the bullpen. King retired all three hitters he faced, stranding Muren on third base to end the game and earn his first save.
The Saltdogs plated two runs in the sixth on a Curt Smith sacrifice fly to deep center and a Hamilton RBI single to left to take a 2-0 lead.
Tyler Herron (2-3) tossed his second straight complete game, allowing two runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and a walk but suffered the loss.
Lincoln’s ERA among starting pitchers on the home stand through five starts is now 1.82.
The Saltdogs look to complete the series sweep Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Zachary Varce (0-3, 5.40) is scheduled to pitch against LHP Tyler Alexander (0-0, 3.18). Radio coverage begins at 6:05 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out for a Wiener Wednesday with $1 Fairbury brand hot dogs in the home stand finale! Get your tickets now at www.saltdogs.com.