LINCOLN – Will Solomon allowed just five hits in a complete game to lead the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to a 4-2 win over the Lincoln Saltdogs on Saturday night.
The RedHawks’ win give them the series victory in the three-game set. This is the first time the Saltdogs have lost consecutive series.
Newcomer Brian McAfee was charged with the loss for the Saltdogs in his American Association debut. The Cornell and Duke graduate allowed four runs in five innings on eight hits. He struck out six and walked just one batter.
Fargo-Moorhead jumped in front in the first inning. Chris Grayson singled to begin the game and moved to second base on a wild pitch. Then, he went to third base on a ground out and scored on another wild pitch to give the lead.
They added another run in the second inning. Charlie Valerio started the frame with a double and scored after Vaughn Bryan notched a base hit in the next at bat.
The Saltdogs scored their only runs in the bottom of the third inning. Dashenko Ricardo started things with a single with no outs. Next, Ivan Marin bunted for a hit and both runners moved up after a throwing error by the pitcher. Christian Ibarra came through with an RBI fielder’s choice in the next at bat to score Ricardo and move Marin to third base. Marin scored on a wild pitch in the next at bat.
The RedHawks tacked on a final run in the fifth inning. Devan Ahart singled with two outs and stole second base. Then, Josh Mazzola got a base hit to send Ahart in to make it 4-2.
Three Saltdogs relievers combined to throw four scoreless innings of relief in the game. Randolph Oduber reached base in all three of his at bats to raise his batting average to .295.
The Saltdogs remain in first place in the American Association Central Division. All four teams are within 1.5 game of each other.
The Saltdogs turn to Derek Gordon to break the losing streak on Sunday. First pitch is at 2:05 PM with coverage beginning at 6:15 PM on ESPN 1480 and saltdogs.com.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling (402) 474-2255 or visiting Saltdogs.com. For the latest information on the Saltdogs follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.