LINCOLN — Taylor Stanton was fantastic, striking out nine in a five-hit shutout as the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (27-18) blanked the Saltdogs (25-20) 3-0 in front of 3,254 fans at Haymarket Park Wednesday night.
Stanton (4-2) did not walk anyone, facing just three batters over the minimum in nine pristine innings, while fanning a season-high nine to earn the victory.
The RedHawks opened the game's scoring in the top of the fifth on a Zach Penprase two-out RBI single. Fargo-Moorhead would go on to add two more in eighth.
Stephen Bougher (1-1) pitched eight strong innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, walking zero and striking out three to suffer the loss.
This was the first time the Saltdogs have been shutout all season.
Matt Forgatch turned in the lone multi-hit performance for Lincoln, going 2-for-3.
The best chance the Saltdogs had to score came in the bottom of the eighth when Mike Provencher tripled to right center with one out. However, he was doubled off at home plate after Yasel Gomez grounded out to first to end Lincoln's rally.
The clubs are back at it Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Ben Henry (0-2, 6.43) will face Alex Caldera (6-2, 2.91). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
July 4 is a "Thirsty Thursday" at Haymarket Park featuring $1 Busch Lights and Pepsis! Also, there will be a Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular following the game.