Strong outing by Maestri

19 Maggio 2011
ERRORS, STRONG OUTING BY MAESTRI FUEL ‘DOGS VICTORY

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Alex Maestri threw six terrific innings and the Saltdogs benefited from six AirHogs errors as Lincoln defeated Grand Prairie 8-1 in front of 5,014 fans at QuikTrip Park Wednesday afternoon.

The Saltdogs capitalized on four Grand Prairie errors in the fourth inning alone, scoring five runs to take a 6-1 lead.

Maestri (1-1) pitched six innings, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out five and walking one to earn the victory.  Scot Drucker (0-1) went five frames, allowing seven runs – one earned – while striking out three to suffer the loss.

Curt Smith blasted a solo home run in the fifth inning, his first of the season, to build the ‘Dogs’ lead to 7-1.

Smith, Blake Gailen, Maikel Jova and Vance Albitz all had two-hit games.

The Saltdogs improve to 3-4 on the season.  Grand Prairie falls to 4-3.

Lincoln has an off day Thursday before traveling to Sioux Falls to open up a three-game series with the Pheasants Friday night at 7:05 p.m.  John James is expected to take the hill for the Saltdogs.