WICHITA, Kan. — Kearney native Ryan Sheldon pitched five strong innings, and the Saltdogs bats went on a late-inning rampage in a 13-2 drubbing of the Wichita Wingnuts in front of 2,440 fans at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium Saturday night.
The game started two hours and 19 minutes after its scheduled time due to a weather delay, and concluded at 12:34 a.m. Sunday.
With two outs in the top of the sixth, Alan Rick doubled in a run to break a 2-2 tie. Brad Payne followed with an RBI triple down the right field line to extend the Saltdogs lead to 4-2.
Lincoln added four runs in the seventh – highlighted by a Rick three-run double – and four more in the eighth, including a towering three-run home run by Stephen Holdren. The ‘Dogs have scored 11 runs in the seventh inning so far this series.
Sheldon (1-0) pitched five innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five and walking one in his Saltdogs debut. Jared Simon (0-1) surrendered two runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief to take the loss.
Rick finished the night 3-for-5 with a run and five RBI. Mike Provencher, Asif Shah and Leivi Ventura also had multi-hit games.
The Saltdogs will look to salvage a series split when the clubs meet for the finale Sunday at 2:05 p.m. Chandler Barnard is scheduled to pitch for Lincoln against Jose Perez of Wichita. Radio coverage begins on KFOR 1240 at 1:35 p.m.
The Saltdogs’ home opener at Haymarket Park is May 23 against Sioux City. Get your Saltdogs Five Pack (five behind-the-plate tickets for just $50!) now by calling 402-474-BALL or by visiting www.saltdogs.com.