SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Lincoln native Jake Kuebler tossed six sparkling innings as the Sioux City Explorers (50-45) dispatched the Saltdogs (50-45) 3-1 at Lewis and Clark Park in front of 1,275 fans Wednesday night.
The Saltdogs and Explorers are now tied for first place, with Gary lurking one game back.
Former Lincoln Southeast star Kuebler (3-2) yielded just an unearned run to earn the victory.
The Explorers plated two runs in the first, the opener coming on a bunt single, which proved to be enough.
Lincoln tallied its run on a single from Juan Martinez in the second. Ryan O’Sullivan (4-5) allowed three runs in seven innings, striking out six to suffer the loss.
The series concludes Thursday night at 7 p.m. RHP Lindsey Caughel is expected to face RHP Bryan Escanio. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.