LINCOLN, Nebraska – Christian Ibarra walked three times and scored, Nick Tepesch allowed only two runs over six innings, and the Lincoln Saltdogs captured their 500th home victory with a 3-2, rain-shortened win over the Cleburne Railroaders in six innings at Haymarket Park on Thursday night.
Rain began to fall with Lincoln hitting in the 6th inning, and approximately 30 minutes after the rain began to fall, the game was officially called.
Cleburne jumped out to a 1-0 lead after Zach Nehrir doubled with one out and advanced on a wild pitch before scoring on a subsequent wild pitch.
The ‘Dogs scored three times in the third – all with two outs. Ivan Marin and Christian Ibarra both walked to extend the inning, and Tyler Moore hit an RBI double to left-center. Ibarra later scored on a wild pitch before Randolph Oduber hit an RBI single up the middle.
Cleburne got a run back in the 4th, but Nick Tepesch got his second win in as many starts with six innings, allowing two runs on six hits with no walks and five strikeouts. He retired the last eight batters of the game.
Ibarra walked three times – the third-such game for a ‘Dogs in 2019. Nefi Ogando also struck out seven Saltdogs over his five innings of work.
The second game of the home-opening four-game series is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Friday night. It’ll be RHP Ricky Knapp for Lincoln, and LHP Michael Gunn for Cleburne. Pregame coverage will begin on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM at 6:35 p.m.
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.