GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — The Saltdogs (23-25) came through time after time in the clutch, and Trey Barham was excellent in relief in a 6-3 victory over the Grand Prairie AirHogs (19-30) in front of 1,063 fans at QuikTrip Park Sunday afternoon.
Jeremy Hamilton gave Lincoln its first lead on a two-out, two-run double in the third inning. Brian Joynt followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1 'Dogs. Ian Gac and Eddie Young added two-out RBI hits in the fifth and seventh, respectively.
Justin Kuks (4-0) pitched six innings, allowing three runs on 10 hits to earn his fourth consecutive victory. Marshall Schuler worked a perfect ninth for his 15th league-leading save of the year.
Barham entered the game from the bullpen with runners on the corners and no out in the seventh, leading 5-3. Barham induced a come backer, struck out Grand Prairie's leading hitter Abel Nieves, then got a ground ball from four-year Texas Rangers vet Jason Botts to get out of the jam unscathed.
Joynt finished 2-for-3 with a run and a RBI, extending his hit streak to 12 games.
Chris Anderson went 3-for-4 with a run and a RBI. Omar Luna registered a multi-hit series final as well as the Saltdogs took three of six on their Texas road trip.
Lincoln begins a three-game home stand against Laredo Monday night. RHP Nick Green (1-3, 3.99) is expected to face RHP Tyler Pearson. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
The Saltdogs return home to Haymarket Park Monday, July 7 to take on Laredo at 7:05 p.m. Come out to the yard for Bark in the Park featuring Wachal Wiener Dog Nationals! Stop by the Home Run Terrace for "Yappy Hour" at 6 p.m. and enjoy $2 hot dogs and $2 Blue Blood Brewing Co. "6-4-3 Double Play Pilsner" on draft. Get your tickets now atwww.saltdogs.com.