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CLEBURNE, Tex. (June 26, 2019) – Michael Gunn struck out nine over 5.1 scoreless innings, and the Cleburne Railroaders rolled past the Lincoln Saltdogs 8-2 on Wednesday night at The Depot at Cleburne Station.

The lefty’s previous season-high in strikeouts was four, a total he matched by the second inning. It was in the second that Lincoln (19-19) mounted their most dangerous threat, loading the bases with nobody out on two singles and an error. But Gunn (3-0) responded by striking out the next three hitters to escape unscathed. He stranded two more in scoring position in the fourth, and exited after retiring the only hitter he faced in the sixth.

Cleburne’s offense, meanwhile, was efficient if not explosive. Chase Simpson got the ‘Roaders on the board in the third with a sacrifice fly, then an RBI fielder’s choice from Logan Trowbridge and a bases-loaded hit by pitch by Zach Nehrir in the fourth made it 3-0.

Another bases-loaded hit by pitch in the sixth scored Trowbridge, who had tripled, and then Trowbridge and Huth both plated runs with RBI fielder’s choices in the seventh to push the lead to 6-0.

Cleburne (18-20) added a pair of insurance runs in the eighth. Simpson ripped an RBI double and later came in to score on a groundout from Kenny Meimerstorf to push the advantage to 8-0.

Lincoln got a pair of runs in the top of the ninth before Braden Pearson slammed the door. D.J. Sharabi pitched well in relief, retiring all five hitters he faced with three strikeouts.

Kyle Kinman (1-2) took the loss for Lincoln, allowing four runs on five hits in 5.2 innings.

The Railroaders and Saltdogs conclude their series on Thursday night at 7:06 PM. Jesus Sanchez (3-2, 4.03) goes for Cleburne, while Lincoln counters with fellow righty Ricky Knapp (1-1, 3.38).

For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.