Bullpen Falters Leading to 9-7 RailCat Loss in Lincoln
June 17, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
LINCOLN, NE- The RailCats used a five run top of the 8th inning to claim the lead in Lincoln, only to give up five in the bottom of the half in a 9-7 loss to Lincoln. The Gary SouthShore RailCats' (13-15) bid for their first late inning comeback turned into their first blown lead of the season in a heartbreaking loss to the Lincoln Saltdogs (17-11).
Alex Gunn started on the mound for the Cats looking to cut into the division lead of the Saltdogs. The lefty went five innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits.
John Kovalik came out of the bullpen and didn't allow a run in 1.1 innings. Travis McGee and Santiago Rodriguez combined to throw the fatal 8th inning in which the Saltdogs scored five runs on six hits.
Lindsey Caughel pitched brilliantly for the Saltdogs but left the 7th inning with an injury. He did not allow a run on three hits and five strikeouts. Stephen Shackleford allowed five unearned runs but escaped with the win. Evan Reed earned the save but allowed two base runners in the 9th.
The RailCats managed seven hits in the final three innings to score all seven of their runs. Jose Sermo had four RBIs in a pinch hit appearance that featured a line drive home run. Brennan Metzger and Alex Crosby had two hits apiece as well.
The defense came back after not committing an error in Sioux Falls, and made four miscues tonight. The defense and bullpen struggles were too much to overcome for the comeback-minded Cats who lost for the second straight game.
Gary SouthShore looks to rebound tomorrow as they play game two in Lincoln with first pitch at 6:35. Coverage begins on 95.9 WEFM and railcatsbaseball.com at 6:10.
American Association Stories from June 17, 2016
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- X's Fall in Game One of Series to AirHogs - Sioux City Explorers
- 'Dogs Rally in 8th to Overcome Blown Lead - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Bullpen Falters Leading to 9-7 RailCat Loss in Lincoln - Gary SouthShore Railcats
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