WICHITA, Kan. — For Jason Van Skike, the third time against Lincoln proved to be the charm as the Wichita Wingnuts (60-26) trumped the Saltdogs (46-40) 6-2 in front of 2,110 fans at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium Monday night.
Van Skike (10-4), after losing his first two starts against the ‘Dogs, pitched six strong innings to earn the win.
Despite impressive home runs from Jon Gaston, his 10th, and Mike Gilmartin, his fifth, the Lincoln offense never seemed to pose a major threat against the Southern leaders.
Kevin McGovern (3-2) pitched seven innings, allowing six runs – three earned – on nine hits to suffer the loss. Three of Wichita’s runs came home in the second to begin the game’s scoring.
Gaston finished 3-for-4 with the solo home run to right. Gilmartin went 2-for-4 with the opposite-field-power-alley shot in the ninth. Matt Forgatch also had a pair of hits.
Former big leaguer Alex Hinshaw was summoned with two on and one out in the ninth, and secured his fourth save.
The clubs play the second of the three-game series Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. For the Dogs, RHP Marquis Fleming (9-3, 3.22) will take the hill against LHP Frank Del Valle (0-1, 2.38). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.