Even though his team is on the brink of elimination from the Northern League playoffs, Lincoln Saltdogs manager Tim Johnson said his team isn't done yet.
"You keep fighting," said the former major league manager. "I've been in the playoffs many times and many years and I've had teams down 0-2. You keep battling; you keep fighting. As long as you haven't lost that third game, you are still in it."
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5, first-round playoff series. Game 3 is at 7:05 p.m. today at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, Neb.
"We're not looking past Game 3," RedHawks manager Doug Simunic said. "We're still going to play Game 3."
Left-hander Joe Sergent(13-2, 3.13 ERA) is scheduled to start for the RedHawks. Lincoln counters with left-hander Brian Rodaway (8-7, 3.55 ERA).
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Being able to throw Sergent in Game 3 illustrates the RedHawks' starting pitching depth. Wednesday, he was named the left-handed pitcher on the Northern League postseason all-star team. F-M right-hander Brandon Culp, who pitched in Game 1, was named the right-handed pitcher on the team, which included RedHawks first baseman Clyde Williams, right fielder Richard Austin and catcher Kelley Gulledge.
"We feel fortunate that we are able to throw another quality guy out there against them," Simunic said of Sergent.
In addition, RedHawks Game 4 starter Todd George (if Game 4 is necessary) has been one of the hottest pitchers in the league in the second half of the season.
The right-handed George went 7-0 in 11 second-half starts with a 2.80 ERA.
"It's an amazing thing," Gulledge said. "You got four guys that go out there for you and battle. All four guys keep you in the game."
NOTES: The other first-round playoff series between the St. Paul Saints and the Gary SouthShore RailCats is tied at 1-1. St. Paul is scheduled to start right-hander Bryan Gaal (10-4, 3.81 ERA) in today's Game 3 at Gary. The RailCats are expected to counter with left-hander Jamie Bennett (10-5, 4.32 ERA). ... The Seattle Mariners organization has bought the contract of Edmonton left-handed pitcher Aric Van Gaalen. The 21-year-old was picked by the Mariners in the 30th round of the 2005 draft, but played the entire Northern League season with the Cracker-Cats. ... Lincoln is expected to start right-hander pitcher Kyle Ruwe (6-3, 3.40 ERA) in Game 4, if necessary.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Eric Peterson at (701) 241-5513
