LINCOLN, Nebraska – Drew Devine hit a walk-off single in his second professional game, and the Lincoln Saltdogs scored five times in the 8th and 9th innings in an 8-7 win over the Cleburne Railroaders at Haymarket Park on Friday night.
Devine singled in David Vidal to cap off a three-run 9th inning and Lincoln won for the first time when trailing after eight innings this season.
Devine entered the game for Josh Altmann, who was removed after being hit in the hand by a pitch in the 6th inning. The true rookie out of Western Michigan stepped in and hit an RBI single in the 8th before his game-winner in the 9th. He now has hits in each of his first three professional plate appearances, and he picked up his first two RBIs.
Justin Byrd tied the franchise record with four walks – his second such game this year – while Curt Smith hit his 10th homer of the year and David Vidal homered for the sixth time in August.
Lincoln (48-43) snapped a four-game losing streak and won for the first time when trailing after eight innings after starting 0-32 in such games. Cleburne (49-41) had its four-game winning streak end.
Yanio Perez went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, and Edgar Corcino had two hits. Skyler Weber had a double and an RBI, and the ‘Dogs evened the series to pull within 1.5 games of Cleburne for second in the South Division.
Tyler Anderson picked up his third win, while David Zoz and Walter Borkovich both allowed one run over two innings. Garett Delano allowed five runs over four – including Lincoln’s first grand slam this year, when D.J. Peterson cleared the bases after Delano retired the first two Railroaders in the 3rd inning.
The ‘Dogs and Railroaders continue the series on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and pregame begins at 6:35 p.m. on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are celebrating their 20th season at Haymarket Park this season! All ticket and promotional information can be viewed at saltdogs.com.