LINCOLN, Nebraska – John Brownell hit the 2,000-inning mark after the 2nd inning, but Chicago’s seven-run, two-out rally in the 4th was too much for Lincoln in an 8-1 loss to the Dogs at Haymarket Park on Wednesday night.
Needing just two innings to reach 2,000 for his career, Brownell worked around two hits in a scoreless 1st and 2nd inning. Brownell is in his first season with Lincoln, and will surpass 100 innings in his next start – the 12th consecutive year for him to reach that mark.
Chicago rallied with two outs in the 4th. Trey Vavra walked and scored on Mitchell Kranson’s RBI single. Kranson eventually scored on a wild pitch before David Oldmedo-Barrera added another with a double before Keon Barnum hit a grand slam – his third homer of the series – to make it 7-0.
Brownell was later ejected in the inning arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Darrin Hellar.
Nick Schulz had Lincoln’s only two hits of the night. After a second-inning double, Schulz clubbed a solo homer to right-center – his second of the series – to make it 7-1 in the 5th.
Chicago added a run on Victor Roache’s 19th homer of the year – a solo shot to lead off the 7th, and the only run allowed by lefty Josh Norwood over 4.1 innings of relief. Austin Boyle also tossed a scoreless inning in the 9th – his first appearance since Aug. 3.
Christian Ibarra walked to extend his on-base streak to 20, but the ‘Dogs had just three batters reach safely and finished with 14 strikeouts.
The ‘Dogs wrap up a season-long nine-game homestand with a three-game set against St. Paul beginning Thursday. First-pitch time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and pregame coverage will begin at 6:35 p.m. on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are playing their 19th season in Lincoln. All ticket and promo information can be found at saltdogs.com, and follow the ‘Dogs on Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.