LINCOLN, Nebraska – Daniel Herrera hit a go-ahead two-run double in the 8th, and the Saltdogs scored three to take the lead in an eventual 6-5 win over the Cleburne Railroaders in the home finale at Haymarket Park on Friday night.
Herrera’s double scored Josh Mazzola and Josh Norwood — who had pinch run for Randolph Oduber – in an inning that began with two outs and nobody on base.
Mazzola’s single sent Curt Smith from first to third before Smith scored on a throwing error from the centerfielder Zach Nehrir.
Cleburne led 4-0 through five-and-a-half innings before Nick Schulz hit a two-run homer to halve the deficit in the 6th. After Cleburne added another in the 7th, Randolph Oduber’s homer made it 5-3 in the bottom-half of the inning.
John Brownell allowed five runs on eight hits over seven innings, while Austin Boyle went 1-2-3 in the 8th and earned his fourth win of the year. Reese Gregory tossed a scoreless 9th for his fourth save of the year.
Lincoln won two of three in the series, and after spending almost two months alone in 1st, Cleburne is now on the outside looking in of a three-way tie with Sioux City and Kansas City.
The ‘Dogs now wrap up the season with a three-game series in Gary beginning Saturday. First pitch time is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. and pregame coverage will begin at 4 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.