LINCOLN – The Lincoln Saltdogs (31-21) hit three home runs and held the Cleburne Railroaders (25-29) to just six hits in a 7-1 win on Friday night.
Cesilio Pimentel earned the win in the series-opening contest. The lefty pitched five scoreless innings in his first start since June 15th. He allowed just two hits and worked around four walks by striking out five batters. Pimentel induced two double plays in the first two innings to help keep it scoreless.
The Saltdogs scored the first runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Curt Smith drew a one-out walk to bring up Brandon Jacobs. The left fielder launched a home run over the left-center field fence to make it 2-0. It was his ninth home run of the season and his second homer of the homestand.
Cleburne scored their only run in the top of the sixth. Mitch Glasser reached and got to second base on a Saltdogs error. Then, he stole third base before Derrick Pyles stepped to the plate. Pyles hit a single down the right field line to cut Lincoln’s lead to one run.
The Saltdogs answered Cleburne’s offense with more in the bottom of the sixth. Cesar Valera started the frame with a single. Brandon Jacobs tallied another hit to put runners on the corners with two outs. Then, Lincoln-native Creighton Wilke hit an opposite field line drive to add to the lead. Randolph Oduber put the game away with a two-run home run in the next at bat. Oduber and Jacobs are tied for the team lead in home runs with nine each.
The scoring came to a close in the bottom of the seventh. Dashenko Ricardo hit a solo shot to left field to make it 7-1.
Smith and Valera each extended their hit streaks to seven games. Jacobs and Ricardo each had multi-hit games. 3,213 fans watch the game which took two hours and 33 minutes to complete. The Saltdogs have won four straight games and move into sole possession of first place in the Central Division after Kansas City lost.
The Saltdogs look to win game two of the series on Saturday. First pitch is at 6:45 PM with coverage beginning at 6:15 PM on ESPN 1480 and saltdogs.com.
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