Saltdogs Defeat Milkmen in Home Finale

Lincoln, Nebraska- Graham Edwards delivered a quality start while Calyn Halvorson drove in three runs, leading the Lincoln Saltdogs to a 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Milkmen, Thursday night at Haymarket Park.  With the victory, Lincoln won the final two games of the three-game series, plus claimed the season series over the team with the top American Association record, four games to three.

Lincoln (42-54) scored five runs, off seven hits, committed no errors, and left seven runners on base.  Milwaukee (57-39) had four runs, with thirteen hits, one error, and left ten runners stranded.  Thursday night’s game at Haymarket Park lasted two hours and forty-seven minutes and was played in front of 2,554 fans.

The Saltdogs started the scoring in the bottom of the fourth inning.  Facing Milwaukee starter Jhordany Mezquita, Tanner O’Tremba delivered a two-out single.  Then, Connor Bagnieski reached on a fielder’s choice, while O’Tremba advanced to second.  Cary Arbolida drew a walk.  Then, Calyn Halvorson hit a double to left centerfield, scoring all three base runners, to make it a 3-0 Lincoln lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Lincoln extended its advantage.  Paul Myro IV led off the inning with a double.  Three batters later, Jairo Pomares doubled, scoring Myro, to make it 4-0.

Milwaukee got on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh.  Facing Lincoln reliever Ryan Rembisz, Griffin Doersching led off the inning with a single.  Two batters later, Edrick Felix drew a walk.  Then, Chase Waddell doubled, driving in both runners, to make it 4-2.

Lincoln got a run back in the bottom of the seventh.  Facing reliever Sam Staerker, Nick Shumpert hit a two-out single, then stole second base.  Milwaukee intentionally walked Jairo Pomares, putting runners at first and second.  The Saltdogs executed a double steal.  On the pitch, it bounced wildly away, allowing Shumpert to score and Pomares to take third, making it a 5-2 Lincoln lead.

The Milkmen put together a rally in the top of the ninth inning.  Facing Lincoln reliever Zac McCleve, Yordys Valdes hit a two-out single, then took second on defensive indifference.  The next batter, Charlie Marion, hit a 2-2 pitch over the left field wall for a two-run home run, making it 5-4.  The next batter, Andy Blake, singled, on a 0-2 pitch.  Then, Alec Olund doubled, on a 1-2 pitch, putting runners at second and third.  Then, McCleve struck out Griffin Doersching, swinging at a 3-2 pitch, to end the game.

Saltdogs starter Graham Edwards (3-10) earned the win, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up five hits, struck out five and walked one.  Ryan Rembisz pitched 0.1 inning, yielding two runs, off two hits and walked one.  Tyler Stasiowski threw 0.2 innings, struck out one and walked one.  Gabriel Jaramillo pitched 1.0 inning giving up two hits and struck out three.  Zac McCleve earned his tenth save of the season, throwing 1.0 inning, giving up two runs, off four hits and struck out two.

Milwaukee starting pitcher Jhordany Mezquita (12-1) took the loss, throwing 5.0 innings, giving up four runs, off four hits, struck out six and walked two.  Sam Staerker threw 1.2 innings, yielding one run, off two hits, struck out three and walked one.  Eli Hoyt worked 0.1 inning and walked one.  Packy-Bradley Cooney pitched 1.0 inning and struck out one.

Offensively for Lincoln, Jairo Pomares was 1-for-3 with an RBI.  Calyn Halvorson was 1-for-4 and drove in three runs.

For the Milkmen, Yordys Valdes was 2-for-5.  Charlie Marion was 1-for-4 with a two-run home run.  Andy Blake was 3-for-5.  Alec Olund went 4-for-4.  Chase Waddell was 2-for-4.

With its forty-second victory of the season, the Saltdogs have matched the win total of 2025, with four games remaining on the 2026 schedule.

During the game, the Saltdogs announced the results of the 2026 Saltdogs Player Awards, as voted on by the fans.  Zac McCleve was voted the Pitcher-of-the-Year.  Jairo Pomares was selected as the Offensive Player-of-the-Year, while Cam Phelts was voted the Saltdogs Most Valuable Player.

Lincoln’s remaining games are at the Sioux Falls Canaries, beginning Friday night.  LHP Cam Dayton (3-3, 3.96 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  RHP Josh Caravalho (0-1, 10.00 ERA) will be on the mound for Sioux Falls.  The first pitch at Sioux Falls Stadium will be at 7:05 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on: www.aabaseball.tv.

For information on tickets for the Lincoln Saltdogs 2027 season, merchandise, and more, visit: www.saltdogs.com.