Article By:

CLEBURNE, Texas -- Geraldo Valentin hit a three-run home run in a four-run fourth inning, and the Cleburne Railroaders cruised to a 9-4 win over the Salina Stockade at The Depot Wednesday night.

Valentin’s homer was his first of the year and highlighted a four-RBI performance, and the Railroaders scored nine runs on 12 total hits a night after being held scoreless with just three hits on Tuesday.

Harrison Lee, making his second start of 2017, gave up four runs on five hits with a walk and three strikeouts, but three-hit nights from Brandon Tierney and Oscar Mesa helped Lee avoid anything more than an no-decision.

Tierney clubbed a pair of doubles and scored twice, while Mesa singled three times and drove in a pair of runs. Shawn Zarraga also reached twice and scored, while Ermindo Escobar -- making his first start of the series -- reached on a pair of infield singles and scored twice.

Alberto Rodriguez and Onas Farfan combined to throw 4.2 scoreless innings in relief of Lee, giving up just two hits with a walk and four strikeouts.

The Railroaders touched up Chris Cody, who made his American Association debut, for five runs on eight hits over just three innings. Joe Robinson gave up four runs on four hits over his four innings of relief.

Cleburne now looks to win the four-game series against Salina on Thursday night, with first pitch set for 7:06 p.m. The Railroader Pregame Show will be on the air at 6:45 p.m.

Good seats are still available, and Thursday night is Berm Blanket Giveaway Night! Tickets can be purchased at www.railroaderbaseball.com or by visiting the box office located at the main gate of The Depot.

Michael Dixon
Cleburne Railroaders