Saltdogs Snap Losing Streak

LINCOLN, Neb. * The Lincoln Saltdogs and the Joliet JackHammers combined to score at least one run in every inning during their Friday night match-up at Haymarket Park. Gary Hogan (4-2) picked up the win for the Dogs going eight innings and allowing four earned runs. Jason Shelley (4-4) was charged with the loss allowing eight runs over 5 2/3 innings pitched.

It only took two batters for the Saltdogs to get on the board in their first game back at Haymarket Park after a seven-day road trip. Jake Whitesides took a 3-2 pitch from Shelly over the wall in right field and onto the concourse level. With two outs in the inning the Saltdogs loaded the bases for Mike Goss. Goss came through with a two RBI single back up the middle to extend the lead to 3-0.

The next inning, Lincoln added a couple more runs to their total. With two down, Whitesides started the Dog run with a single. After a Bryan Warner single put runners on first and third, Pichi Balet picked up two RBIs with a double in the right-center field gap.

Kevin Sullivan broke out of an 0-for-13 slump against the JackHammers in the third inning with his sixth homer of year. This one a one-run shot to right field giving the Dogs a 6-0 lead.

Joliet got a run back in the top of the fourth inning. The Hammers got the bases loaded with two down and Josh Loggins came through with the two out RBI on a bloop single in shallow center field. With the run Joliet cut the Lincoln lead to 6-1.

Another run crossed the plate for Joliet in the fifth inning. Jeff Goldbach reached on an error and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Dan Firlit. Jeremy Allensworth picked up the RBI with a slow groundball to short.

Jake Whitesides launched his second homer of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning to add a pair of runs to the Dogs total. That home was Whitesides fifth homer of the season.

The Saltdogs continued their run-scoring spree in the seventh inning. The first three runners reached base and all three scored. Mike Goss picked up an RBI on a ground out to short and Albenis Machado cleared the bases with a line drive double to left field.

Three runs came for the JackHammers in the eighth inning. Joliet used five straight hits off Lincoln starter Gary Hogan to plate the three runs cutting the Dogs' lead to 11-5.

In the ninth Joliet was able to pull within four runs but Wes O'Brien finished the JackHammers threat giving Lincoln the 11-7 win.

The second game of the three game series will pit Lincoln pitcher Michael Kesten (3-1) against Nathan Kent (2-3) for Joliet. First pitch time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Haymarket Park.

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