CLEBURNE, Texas – Josh Altmann hit his second homer in as many games, but the ‘Dogs lost 8-7 on a walk-off single from Hill Alexander in the 9th inning at The Depot on Saturday night.
Alexander’s single scored Zach Nehrir with two outs in the 9th, and the ‘Dogs (26-28) suffered a third consecutive defeat to start the series.
Lincoln took a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning, when Randy Norris scored on a wild pitch and Josh Altmann followed with a two-run homer.
Cleburne (22-33) tied the game on Chuck Taylor’s two-run homer and Kacy Clemens’s RBI single in the bottom of the 1st
Hunter Clanin gave the ‘Dogs a lead with an RBI single in the 3rd and later scored on a wild pitch to make it 5-3.
After Chase Simpson’s RBI made it 5-4 in the bottom of the 3rd, Ryan Long’s eighth homer of the year gave the ‘Dogs a 6-4 lead in the 4th.
Zach Nehrir’s three-run homer gave Cleburne a 7-6 lead in the 4th inning before Drew DeVine’s sacrifice fly tied the game at seven in the 5th inning.
Kyle Kinman allowed seven runs – four earned – over 5 and 1/3 innings. He walked a season-high seven batters and allowed five hits with five strikeouts. Matt Cronin allowed one hit and struck out three over 1 and 2/3 innings, while Carter Hope went 1-2-3 in the 8th. Steffon Moore allowed the game winning run – only the second run he’s allowed this year – in the 9th.
The series concludes on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and pregame coverage will begin at 5:35 p.m. on ESPN Lincoln 101.5 FM/1480 AM.
The Saltdogs are playing their 21st season in Lincoln! Visit saltdogs.com and follow us @saltdogsball on all social media for information regarding tickets and promotions all season long.