Lincoln Saltdogs pound St. Paul Saints, 16-1

The Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association continued their drive for both halves titles. Last night, they won the biggest blowout of the day in the minors, beating the St. Paul Saints, 16-1.

Three runs in the 1st, two coming on a Kevin Sullivan homer, gave Lincoln an early lead. St. Paul narrowed it to 3-1 when Jose Torres singled, scoring Chaz Lytle. But it was as close as the visitors would get.

Lincoln added four runs in the 3rd, five in the 4th, another three in the 5th, and a final run in the 7th to make it 16-1.

Saltdogs pitcher Kyle Ruwe relieved starter Roger Lincoln, who was coming off the DL, in the third inning. Ruwe set down 17 straight Saints en route to his 7th win of the season.

Saints reliever Gabe Eikum debuted for St. Paul. He went 5 innings, and gave up 9 runs on 12 hits (3 were home runs) in his welcome to pro baseball.

The win keeps the Saltdogs 5 games in front of the St. Joe Blacksnakes in the race for the second half championship of the AA North Division. The Saltdogs won the first half.

[wrapups: Saltdogs, Saints]