LINCOLN, Nebraska – John Brownell tossed six scoreless innings, and the ‘Dogs took a fifth consecutive home game in a 3-0 win over the Sioux Falls Canaries at Haymarket Park on Friday night.
Brownell’s six scoreless innings now put him just two shy of 2,000 innings in his 14-year career, and he won for a second time in two appearances against the Canaries.
Reliever Reese Gregory finished off the combined shutout with a three-inning save – his second as a ‘Dog.
Lincoln opened the scoring on a squeeze play in the 5th inning. Ivan Marin punched a bunt to the right side that allowed Tyler Moore the first of his two runs. Later, Forrestt Allday hit a sacrifice fly to right that scored Daniel Herrera.
Lincoln added to the lead in the 6th. With two on and two out, Christian Ibarra singled up the middle on the 10th pitch of his at-bat to score Moore and make it 3-0.
Ibarra’s hitting streak is now at 14 – the longest for a ‘Dog this year and tied for the sixth-longest hitting streak in the league this year.
Moore, Herrera and Marin combined to go 4-for-9 with three walks and three runs scored at the bottom of the order. All three runs scored against Alex Boshers, who went 5.2 innings in his first start against Lincoln.
Game 2 of the three-game series is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Saturday. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:35 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.