Byrd Leads Saltdogs Past RedHawks for Series Victory
by Michael Dixon, Lincoln Saltdogs
LINCOLN, Nebraska – Justin Byrd went 4-for-4 with three RBIs, and the Lincoln Saltdogs took the series finale with a 12-5 win over the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks at Haymarket Park on Thursday night.
The RedHawks (49-28) took a 1-0 lead on Drew Ward’s two-out homer in the 1st, but Josh Altmann tied the game with a two-out single in the bottom-half. On the play, Ryan Long also scored after reaching third base, and the ‘Dogs took a 2-1 lead.
Lincoln (36-42) extended the lead with three runs in the 2nd. Justin Byrd hit an RBI double and Rayder Ascanio made it 5-1 with a two-run homer.
The ‘Dogs added two more in the 4th. Hunter Clanin hit his second homer is as many games before Byrd’s first homer since returning from Mexico made it 7-1.
The RedHawks got one back when Drew Ward scored on an error in the 6th, but Zach Keenan allowed just two runs in 5 and 1/3 innings and allowed five runs across 17 and 1/3 innings in three consecutive starts against the RedHawks.
Altmann delivered two more RBIs with a two-out single in the 6th. Hunter Clanin made it 10-2 with an RBI double in the 7th, and Byrd’s RBI single – his fourth hit of the game – made it 11-2. Lincoln added a 12th run on Matt Goodheart’s RBI double in the 8th.
David Zoz tossed 1 and 2/3 scoreless innings, while Carter Hope pitched a scoreless 8th. Carson Lance allowed two homers in a three-run 9th.
The ‘Dogs took four of the six consecutive games against the RedHawks and will now hit the road for six games, beginning with three in Kansas City this weekend. First pitch Friday night is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and pregame coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are playing their 21st season in Lincoln! Visit saltdogs.com and follow us @saltdogsball on all social media for information regarding tickets and promotions all season long.