LINCOLN — The defense continues to haunt the Saltdogs (20-32), as they committed four more errors in a 6-2 series-opening loss to El Paso Diablos (19-31) at Haymarket Park Thursday night.
Three of the six runs scored by El Paso were unearned due to Lincoln errors. The ‘Dogs have now committed 29 errors over the last 13 games, with three separate four-error incidents in their last nine contests.
Diablos took the lead for good in the seventh inning thanks to a Jimmy Rohan throwing error.
Reymond Cruz (4-3) pitched six innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out three and walking two to earn the win. Ronny Morla (2-5) allowed an unearned run in his Saltdogs debut in an inning of relief to suffer the loss.
Stephen Holdren belted his sixth home run of the season, a solo shot into the Terrace, to open the game’s scoring in the second inning. Daniel Nelson tied the game with a line drive home run to right in the fourth.
Asif Shah had a clutch two-out, two-strike single to even the score in the bottom of the fourth.
The teams meet again Friday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the four-game series. Tommy Palica (1-4, 7.57) is expected to start for the Saltdogs. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Come on out to Haymarket Friday night for two for one berm tickets and entertainment from the Inflatamaniacs! Also, Fireworks after Saturday night’s game! For ticket information call 402-474-2255 or visit www.saltdogs.com.