Rosario and Bullpen Dominate and RailCats Win 4-2

August 20, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release

GARY, IN- The Gary SouthShore RailCats (44-42) held the Wichita Wingnuts to just six hits and managed 12 themselves to win 4-2 in front of 4,081 fans at US Steel Yard.

The RailCats' triumph was their fifth straight win and keeps them in contention in the race for the Central Division crown. The team is closing in on division leaders Sioux City and Lincoln.

Charle Rosario set the tone for the RailCats on the mound. The 'Ace' went seven innings and allowed just two runs on five hits. He struck out five compared to two walks.

Tim Brown was charged with the loss for the Wingnuts despite notching a quality start. The veteran pitched seven innings and gave up three runs on 10 hits.

The RailCats threatened in the bottom of the second inning, but a strikeout and double play doomed their chances. The Wingnuts took advantage and struck first in the top of the third inning. Leo Vargas singled to left field and wheeled around the bases to score on a Christian Stringer double. Rosario buckled down to retire the last two batters and keep the score 1-0.

The RailCats' offense responded to tie the game in the next half inning. Jarred Mederos reached on a one-out single and went to third base after Colin Willis doubled. Reggie Wilson hit a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Mederos to even the score at 1-1.

Wichita continued the scoring by putting one on the board in the top of the fourth. TJ Mittelstaedt hit a home run over the seats in right field to make it 2-1. Rosario retired the next three batters.

Another double play ended the RailCats' hopes in the fourth and it looked like Wichita would add to their lead in the sixth. Zach Cox started the frame with a single before Rosario struck out the second batter. Then, Mittelstaedt knocked a base hit to left field. Cox attempted to go to third base on the play and the throw went there. Mittelstaedt then tried to advance to second on the throw but the RailCats caught him in a pickle. Cox tried to go home and score with the RailCats distracted, but John Holland noticed and threw him out at the plate. The ball went threw five players hands before it was over, but the good defense gave Rosario a key out.

The RailCats parlayed their quality defense into offensive firepower in the seventh inning. Jaime Del Valle led off with a single and EJ Devarie followed with another base hit. The runners advanced on a sacrifice and fielder's choice when Willis stepped up again. The rookie playing in his third game hit a single to left field that scored two runs and made it 3-2.

The bats perked up again in the next inning to add an insurance run. Chase Harris had a base hit and stole second base. He advanced to third on a fly out and stood there with two down. Alex Crosby surprised the Wingnuts by bunting and Harris slid in safely at home.

Moises Melendez recorded the first out of the ninth inning before allowing a hit. Greg Tagert then turned to Santiago Rodriguez to close the game. The 22 year-old induced a double play with the first pitch he threw to end the game and get the save. The right-hander forced a double play ball with the last pitch he threw last night as well.

Willis was 3-4 on the night and Frank Martinez joined him with multiple hits. The RailCats' defense did not commit an error for the fifth straight game.

The RailCats have one more game left in the homestand. They host Wichita for the series finale tomorrow afternoon with first pitch at 2:10 PM. Coverage begins at 1:45 PM on 95.9 WEFM and railcatsbaseball.com.

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• Rosario and Bullpen Dominate and RailCats Win 4-2 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
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