Halvorson Leads Saltdogs to Series Victory

Lincoln, Nebraska- Calyn Halvorson homered and the Lincoln Saltdogs scored four fourth inning runs on their way to a 5-3 victory over the Kane County Cougars, Saturday night at Haymarket Park.  Jacob Hughes earned the win as the Saltdogs claimed not only the series victory, but secured the season series over the Cougars, for the second straight year.

Lincoln (37-42) scored five runs, off eleven hits, with one error, and stranded eight base runners.  Kane County (42-35) had three runs, with nine hits, no errors, and left eleven runners on base.  Saturday night’s game was played in two hours and forty-five minutes, and in front of 3,097 fans.

Kane County got the scoring started in the top of the second inning.  Facing Lincoln starter Jacob Hughes, Jairus Richards reached on a one-out walk.  Nick Delasandro doubled, to put runners at second and third.  Then, Zane Spinn hit a chopper, which Hughes gloved and threw to first, which allowed Richards to score, to make it 1-0.

The Saltdogs responded in the bottom of the second.  Facing Kane County starter Jake Gilbert, Calyn Halvorson hit a two-out solo home run, just inside the left field foul pole.  His sixth home run of the season tied the score at 1-1.

In the bottom of the fourth, Lincoln capitalized on a Kane County move to the bullpen.  Vin Timpanelli took over on the mound.  The first batter, Jacob Morrow, singled.  Then, Cam Phelts reached safely on a bunt single, to put runners at first and second.  Nick Shumpert moved the runners to second and third on a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher.  The Cougars elected to intentionally walk Jairo Pomares, to load the bases.  Then, Connor Bagnieski singled, scoring Morrow, to make it 2-1.  The next batter, Cary Arbolida, singled, scoring Phelts, making it a two-run Saltdogs lead.  Then, Tanner O’Tremba hit a ground ball to short, which forced out Arbolida, however, O’Tremba beat the relay throw to first, avoiding the double play, and allowing Pomares to score, making it 4-1.  Then, Calyn Halvorson singled, scoring Bagnieski, to make it a 5-1 Lincoln advantage.

The Cougars cut into the Saltdogs lead in the top of the seventh.  Facing reliever Ryan Rembisz, Armond Upshaw singled, and took second on a wild pitch. Two batters later, Matt Bottcher singled, scoring Upshaw, to make it 5-2.

Kane County attempted a rally in the ninth.  Facing Lincoln closer Zac McCleve, Armond Upshaw singled.  Then, Josh Allen did the same.  McCleve got Matt Bottcher to strike out looking, for the first out.  Then, Todd Lott grounded to short, forcing out Allen, but Lott beat the relay throw, and Upshaw scored, to make it 5-3.  Jairus Richards singled, putting the tying runs on base, at first and second.  However, McCleve struck out Nick Delasandro, swinging, to end the game.

Lincoln starter Jacob Hughes (5-2) earned the win, pitching 5.2 innings, giving up one run, off three hits, struck out five, and walked five.  Cael Chatham pitched 0.1 inning, inducing a fly-ball out.  Ryan Rembisz worked 1.0 inning, giving up one run, off two hits and struck out one,  Gabriel Jaramillo threw 1.0 inning, yielding one hit and struck out two.  Zac McCleve (8) earned the save, pitching 1.0 inning, surrendering one run, off three hits and struck out two.

Cougars’ starter Jake Gilbert pitched 4.0 innings, giving up one run, off four hits, struck out eight and walked one.  Vin Timpanelli (3-7) took the loss, working 1.0 inning, yielding four runs, off five hits and walked one.  Zach Veen threw 2.0 innings, surrendering one hit and struck out three.  Logan Nissen pitched 1.0 inning and gave up one hit.

Offensively for the Saltdogs, Connor Bagnieski was 3-for-4 with an RBI.  Cary Arbolida went 1-for-4 and drove in one run.  Tanner O’Tremba was 0-for-4 with one run batted in.  Calyn Halvorson was 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs batted in.  Jacob Morrow was 2-for-4.

For Kane County, Armond Upshaw and Josh Allen were both 2-for-5.  Matt Bottcher went 1-for-5 with an RBI.  Todd Lott was 1-for-4 and drove in one run.  Zane Spinn was 1-for-3 with one run batted in.

With the victory, Lincoln secured their fourth consecutive series, a feat which the Saltdogs have not done since June 22, 2023.  The Saltdogs will go for the sweep on Sunday afternoon.  RHP Graham Edwards (2-8, 8.09 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  RHP Reese Sharpe (5-6, 5.16 ERA) will be on the mound for Kane County.  The first pitch at Haymarket Park will be 1:05 p.m.  Sunday’s game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on: www.aabaseball.tv.

Sunday’s game is FAMILY FUNDAY SUNDAY! You may purchase your Ticket, Fairbury Brand Hot Dog, Chips, & Pepsi Fountain Soda, for just $18.  It is also Signature Sundays sponsored by Wild Dutchman, as a pair of Saltdogs players will sign autographs in the Welcome Center, 30 minutes prior to first pitch.  Also, Kids 12 & under receive a FREE General Admission ticket when wearing a youth sports jersey, sponsored by Spine & Sports Chiropractic.  As part of the 25th Season Celebration, the 25th fan through the gate, wins a prize.  For tickets, merchandise and more information, visit: www.saltdogs.com.