LINCOLN — Following a nearly two and a half hour rain delay, the Saltdogs (39-30) outhit the Wichita Wingnuts (44-25) some sloppy defense cost them in a 5-4 defeat in front of 3,076 fans at Haymarket Park Thursday night.
Due to sudden heavy thunderstorms, a 6:35 scheduled start time turned into a 9:03 first pitch.
Lincoln built a 3-1 lead but two early errors led to three unearned runs for the Wingnuts.
After Robby Kuzdale doubled off the wall to plate Ryan Wiggins, Brennen Salgado launched his first professional homer in the fifth to give Wichita the ultimate lead.
Former Saltdog Tim Brown (6-2) allowed three earned in six innings to earn the win. Frankie Reed worked a hitless ninth to book his 13th save, stranding the possible tying run in scoring position.
Kuzdale, Luis Alen, Brandon Jacobs and Dainer Moreira each had a pair of knocks as Lincoln outhit Wichita 12-10.
Stephen Shackleford, Shairon Martis and Brad Orosey closed out the game with three perfect innings of relief.
The division leaders showdown continues Friday night at 6:35 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 6:05 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
Tomorrow: Ameritas Presents Hannah Huston at Haymarket Park! Come out and see Nebraska’s own perform the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America, with a VIP meet and greet available. The first 2,000 fans receive an Ameritas Saltdogs Stars and Stripes Jersey. Get your tickets now at saltdogs.com/huston.