AirHogs Stave Off Two Late Lincoln Charges, Take Opener
August 5, 2011 - American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release
LINCOLN - Grand Prairie jumped out to an early lead, fell behind, jumped back ahead and withstood several late Saltdogs' rallies to win the series opener 8-6 at Haymarket Park Friday night.
Lincoln tallied two unearned runs in the fifth inning to take a 3-2 edge. The lead would hold until the AirHogs struck for four runs in the seventh, highlighted by a David Espinosa two-run double.
Phil Hawke blasted a two-run homer to right center in the bottom of the seventh, closing the gap to 6-5 before Grand Prairie tacked on two more in the eighth.
The Saltdogs built a promising rally off AirHogs' closer Jon Hunton in the ninth, scoring a run to make it 8-6 and getting runners on the corners with nobody out. But Grand Prairie executed a strike âem out-throw âem out double play as Gavin Dickey attempted to steal second before a ground out ended the game.
Lance Janke (3-2) pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing three earned on 10 hits to pick up the victory. Garrett Sherrill (0-1) went 1/3 of an inning in relief, allowing four runs on three hits to suffer the loss. Hunton notched his league-leading 20th save of the year.
Tim Brown pitched six solid innings for the Saltdogs, finishing his night with five shutout frames after allowing a two-run double to Cesar Nicolas but did not factor into the decision.
The teams meet again Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the three-game series. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Saturday night is Jimmy Buffet Night featuring The Cedar Island Band. The Saltdogs will be wearing special Hawiian-themed jerseys to be auctioned off during a silent auction to benefit Clinic with a Heart. For team and ticket information please call 402-474-BALL or visit www.saltdogs.com.
American Association Stories from August 5, 2011
- AirHogs Stave Off Two Late Lincoln Charges, Take Opener - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Simon, T-Bones Rally Again for Third Straight Win - Kansas City Monarchs
- Fish alone in first after win in St. Paul - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- RailCats Drop Tight Contest to T-Bones - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- RedHawks fall in extra innings - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- American Association Results - AA
- Saints Fall One Game Out of First With 6-5 Loss to Goldeyes - St. Paul Saints
- Wingnuts Win Another Nailbiter - Wichita Wingnuts
- Midco Sports Network to Broadcast RedHawks - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Shreveport-Bossier Captains Game Cancellation - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
- Saints Add Another Arm, Ink Former Big League Pitcher Walker - St. Paul Saints
- Frawley Added to RedHawks Roster - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Brent Clevlen Sold to Phillies - Wichita Wingnuts
- Three-Game Homestand Topped off with Racecars at U. S. Steel Yard - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- X's Fall To T-Bones 11-9 - Sioux City Explorers
- Diablos Complete Sweep of Captains With 12-9 Win Thursday Night - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
