Bennett Parry pitched four solid innings and the Saltdogs managed enough offense to beat the Kansas City T-Bones 5-1 in the ‘Dogs second exhibition contest of the year. The preseason game was played at Lawson Park in Waverly, NE.
The win was marked by superb pitching, replicating the Saltdogs’ first exhibition game. Last week, the Saltdogs shutout the Sioux City Explorers 2-0 in a 10-inning game. On Friday night the ‘Dogs used six pitchers and surrendered just one run on seven hits.
The game didn’t start out as a dominating pitching effort, though. Omar Garcia and Marcus Lemon recorded back-to-back singles to start the night. Then, Parry induced a double play from Kevin Keyes and struck out Donald Lutz to escape the situation.
The Saltdogs jumped on the board in the first inning. Cesar Valera doubled and scored on an RBI single by Christian Ibarra.
They added another run in the second inning. Randolph Oduber started the frame with a double and advanced to third on a passed ball. Then, Ivan Marin hit a slow ground ball to the right side of the infield that allowed Oduber to score.
The game remained 2-0 until the T-Bones broke through in the sixth. Saltdogs reliever Josh Laxer walked Garcia to start the inning. Lemon bunted him to second to set up Lutz for the RBI chance. The T-Bones’ left fielder laced a double in the gap to make it 2-1.
The Saltdogs responded with insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh. Marin doubled to start the action and Chris Garia followed with a walk. Next, Valera singled in a run and Ibarra did the same. Then Curt Smith hit into a double play that scored Valera from third base.
Zac Person ended the night for the ‘Dogs by striking out four batters in the top of the ninth inning. T-Bones number seven hitter Daniel Rockett Reached on a dropped third strike, allowing Person to notch four K’s.
Parry earned the win, going four innings and allowing no runs on three hits with five strikeouts.
The Waverly game was the second and final home exhibition for the Saltdogs. The squad travels to Kingsley, Iowa and Vermillion, South Dakota over the weekend to play three games against the Sioux City X’s.
The Saltdogs begin regular season action at Kansas City on Thursday, May 19th. All Lincoln Saltdogs games can be heard on ESPN 1480 AM or online at saltdogs.com.
The home opener for the Lincoln Saltdogs is Thursday, May 25th at Haymarket Park against the Cleburne Railroaders. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling (402) 474-2255 or visiting Saltdogs.com. For the latest information on the Saltdogs follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.