SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Stephen Shackleford delivered a big performance in a spot start – just the fourth of his career – as the Saltdogs (51-46) toppled the St. Paul Saints (59-38) 5-2 in front of 8,339 fans at CHS Field Friday night.
The victory pulls Lincoln to within 1/2 game of Sioux City’s division lead. The X’s were rained out in Amarillo and will play a double header with the AirHogs Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Shackleford turned in 5 1/3 frames, yielding just two runs with four strikeouts to set the ‘Dogs up for the series-opening win.
Lincoln broke a 2-2 tie with three runs on five consecutive hits in the top of the seventh.
Brad Orosey (4-3) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless relief with two strikeouts to earn the win.
J.R. Bunda pitched a perfect eighth and Evan Reed a perfect ninth for his 21st save.
Juan Martinez and Luis Alen each drove in two runs.
The series continues Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Larkins is expected to face LHP Kody Knaus. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 FM.