Lincoln, Nebraska- The Lincoln Saltdogs led the Winnipeg Goldeyes 4-0 after five innings Friday night at Haymarket Park. However, the Goldeyes sent twelve batters to the plate and scored six runs, in the top of the sixth, on the way to a 6-4 victory over the Saltdogs. Winnipeg took game one of the three-game series and stretched its winning streak to thirteen consecutive games. Tanner O’Tremba homered for Lincoln, in the loss.
Winnipeg (40-31) scored six runs, off eight hits, committed four errors, and left seven runners on base. Lincoln (31-41) had four runs, with five hits, no errors and stranded seven base runners. Friday night’s game lasted three hours and sixteen minutes and was played in front of 4.003 fans.
Lincoln took the lead in the bottom of the first. Facing Winnipeg starter Aidan Newton, Nick Shumpert reached, with one out, on a throwing error by Winnipeg third baseman Ramon Bramasco. Shumpert advanced to second on the play. Then, Jairo Pomares singled, scoring Shumpert, to make it 1-0.
The Saltdogs extended the lead in the bottom of the third. Jacob Morrow led off the inning by hitting a bouncer back to the mound. Aidan Newton fielded the ball but overthrew Roby Enriquez at first base. Morrow ran to second and kept going toward third. Right fielder Adam Hall retrieved the ball and threw to third wildly, and Morrow sprinted for home and scored, to make it 2-0. The next batter, Cam Phelts, hit a one-hopper back to the mound, but Newton’s throw to first was wide, allowing Phelts to reach. Phelts stole second, then third. Nick Shumpert drew a walk, then stole second. Then, Jairo Pomares hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Phelts, to make it 3-0.
In the bottom of the fourth, Lincoln added another run. Facing reliever James Colyer, Tanner O’Tremba hit a solo home run to right field. His eighth round-tripper of the season put Lincoln ahead, 4-0.
However, the Goldeyes put together all they needed in the top of the sixth. Facing Lincoln starter Cael Chatham, Roby Enriquez led off with a single. Then, Ray-Patrick Didder doubled, putting runners at second and third. Ramon Bramasco singled, scoring Enriquez, to make it 4-1. Adam Hall walked, to load the bases. Then, Noah Marcelo hit a double to the left field wall, scoring all three base runners, to tie the game at 4-4. Lincoln went to the bullpen and brought in Jack Hill to pitch. The next batter, Keshawn Lynch drew a walk. Then, Raphael Pelletier’s sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third. The next batter, Max Murphy, singled, scoring Marcelo and Lynch, to make it 6-4, which would turn out to be the final score.
Winnipeg starter Aidan Newton pitched 3.0 innings, giving up three unearned runs, off one hit, struck out three and walked one. James Colyer (2-2) earned the win, pitching 3.0 innings, yielding one run, off three hits, struck out one and walked one. Willian Suarez pitched 2.0 innings and gave up one hit. Derrick Cherry (15) picked up the save, pitching the ninth inning, hitting one batter.
Lincoln starter Cael Chatham (3-3) took the loss, pitching 5.0 innings, giving up five runs, off six hits, struck out two and walked three. Jack Hill pitched 0.1 inning, gave up one run, off one hit and walked two. Jeferson Figueroa pitched 0.2 innings and walked one. Harold Cortijo pitched a clean seventh inning. Ryan Rembisz worked 2.0 innings, yielding one hit, struck out two and walked one.
Offensively for the Goldeyes, Ramon Bramasco was 1-for-5 with an RBI. Noah Marcelo was 1-for-5 and drove in three runs. Max Murphy went 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Roby Enriquez was 2-for-4.
For the Saltdogs, Jairo Pomares was 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Cary Arbolida was 2-for-4. Tanner O’Tremba was 1-for-3 with a solo home run. With two stolen bases Friday night, Cam Phelts has 39 on the season, leaving him two shy of the Saltdogs single-season stolen base record. Nick Shumpert also stole one base, putting him at 36 on the year.
Game two of the series is Saturday night. RHP Foster Pace (2-3, 5.59 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln. RHP James Bradwell (0-2, 13.70 ERA) will be on the mound for Winnipeg. The first pitch at Haymarket Park will be 6:05 p.m. Saturday night’s game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on: www.aabaseball.tv.
Saturday night’s game is Saltdogs Jersey Giveaway Night sponsored by Ameritas. During the afternoon is the Haymarket Park Beerfest sponsored by Carbliss. During the game, fans may purchase $4 Select Tall Boys. For tickets, merchandise and more information, visit: www.saltdogs.com.