Loaded for Cats
Published on June 22, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
GARY, INâ Converting two more bases-loaded chances into big runs, the Gary SouthShore RailCats rallied for a 9-4 win over the Sioux Falls Canaries at U. S. Steel Yard.
The RailCats scored four times in the seventh inning, with three of the runs scoring on bases-loaded singles by Kenny White and Juan Tolentino. In the last seven games, the RailCats have had 21 plate appearances with the bases loaded, resulting in 10 hits (all singles) in 18 at-bats, and 18 RBIs.
In the pivotal frame, Rich Rodrigues ripped a one-out double down the left-field line. Curt Lee lined a single to push Rodrigues to third. Dustin Knight, a rookie playing his first professional game, fouled off four pitches, including two full-count offering from Sioux Falls starter Cory Walters, before drawing a walk to load the bases, and send Walters (2-1) to the showers.
Reliever Brandon Sloan, called upon to get out of a bases-loaded jam for the second time in the series, again failed to do so, allowing all three inherited runners to score, as he had in Friday's game. White lined an 0-2 pitch into left field to plate Rodrigues with the tying run, before Juan Tolentino stroked a two-run single into right field to put the RailCats ahead 5-3. A fourth run lated scored on a throwing error on a potential inning-ending doubleâplay ball.
The RailCats added to their lead with three eighth-inning runs. After Hipolito Martinez walked and Mike Brown was hit by a pitch, Curt Lee lined a two-run triple into the right field corner. Lee then scored on White's sacrifice fly.
Martinez keyed the RailCats offense in the first two-thirds of the game, hitting an RBI-single for a 1-0 first-inning lead and drilling a leadoff homer in the fourth to tie the game 2-2.
Felix Pagan had two hits and drove in three runs for the Canaries, giving Sioux falls a 2-1 lead with a two-run single in the third inning and socking a leadoff homer in the ninth. Ron Wright plated the other Sioux Falls run, with a go-ahead RBI-double in the fifth inning that put the Canaries up 3-2.
Bryan Shartzer (1-0) earned the win in relief for the RailCats, pitching 2 and 1/3 scoreless innings. Chris Andel got out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth by getting Clark Parker to ground into an inning-ending double play, then worked the ninth for his fourth save.
The RailCats (10-21) continue a six-game homestand at U. S. Steel Yard Wednesday, with the first of a split, four-game, home-and-home series with the arch-rival Schaumburg Flyers. Wednesday is Dollar Night, when each of the first 1,000 fans will receive a voucher for a $1 hot dog, courtesy of Armour. Additionally, popcorn, and soft drinks are $1 at the U. S. Steel Yard concession stands all night long. Wednesday is also Hoosier Lotto Night. All non-winning Hoosier Lottery tickets can be redeemed for $1 off box and reserved seat game tickets and selected lucky fans will win free Hoosier Lotto tickets. Plus, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will pick up the second RailCats picture pack of the season, sponsored by Great Lakes Orthopedics. Additionally, residents of St. John and Dyer can get $2 off the price of box and reserved seat tickets (with valid photo ID) on St. John and Dyer Community Night. (First pitch: 7 p.m.) Wednesday's game will also be broadcast on the RailCats Radio Network, including WEFM 95.9, WJOB 1230 AM, and www.sportsjuice.com, beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Northern League Stories from June 22, 2004
- Canaries split series with RailCats - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Winds of change blow for Windy City Wes - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Flyers 'Walk Off" Again In Eleventh - Schaumburg Flyers
- RailCats Trade LHP Eric White to Sioux Falls - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Loaded for Cats - Gary SouthShore Railcats
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