LINCOLN, Nebraska – Christian Ibarra homered for the team-best 15th time this year to spark a rally of four unanswered runs, but the ‘Dogs couldn’t fully make up an early deficit in a 7-4 loss to the St. Paul Saints at Haymarket Park on Thursday night.
Ibarra’s on-base streak is now 21 games, and all four runs scored on three different homers. Josh Mazzola hit a two-run homer – his first at home – and Nick Schulz also hit a solo homer.
Curt Smith went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk and a run scored, while both Ivan Marin and Steve Pascual collected hits at the bottom of the order.
Jake Hohensee made his 7th start and allowed seven runs over six-plus innings while Shairon Martis tossed a scoreless 7th inning, Austin Pettibone tossed a scoreless 8th and Reese Gregory worked around a two-out error in a scoreless 9th.
St. Paul starter Jake Matthys went six-plus innings and allowed three runs, while Mike Devine notched his second save in a 1-2-3 9th.
The series continues on Friday. 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.