Mercado's Four RBI Rockets RailCats Past Canaries
August 3, 2021 - American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
GARY, Ind. - The Gary SouthShore RailCats (28-41) rolled over the Sioux Falls Canaries (25-43) cultivated by second baseman José Mercado's two hits and four RBI to cap a 12-6 victory in the series opener in the Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana.
The RailCats shot out to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the second sparked by shortstop Tom Walraven's solo home run to open the inning. Walraven finished the day hitting 1-for-4 with that home run, also knocking in a run and scoring two of his own.
However, Sioux Falls answered in a big way in the top half of the third tying the game 5-5, in which RailCats starter Cole Cook injured himself. In an attempt to field a bunt off the mound, Cook slipped and fell trying to make the throw to third base, causing an errant throw and the first of five runs to cross the plate.
After the five run third by the Birds, it was all Gary SouthShore from that point onward.
The RailCats scored two runs in both the third and fifth innings, highlighted by two of José Mercado's four RBI. Mercado was plunked with bases loaded in the third to bring in one run, and ripped a single up the middle in the fifth to knock in another. Mercado would finish 2-for-3 with his four RBI and an additional walk.
In the eighth inning, the RailCats' three runs dotted the exclamation point on tonight's victory, sparked by outfielder MJ Rookard's double to right field. Rookard's double drove in the first run of the inning, giving some much needed insurance runs.
Starting pitcher Cole Cook threw two innings before exiting due to injury, in which he allowed three earned runs and struck out a batter.
First reliever Yoel De Leon earned the victory for his four innings of work. De Leon also let up just one earned run while striking out five and walking three.
Sioux Falls starter Charlie Hasty threw 2.1 innings and let up seven earned runs, earning himself the loss for tonight's contest.
After a victory in the opener, the Gary SouthShore RailCats and Sioux Falls Canaries will do it all over again, with the second game of four scheduled for Tuesday, August 3 at 7:10 p.m. at the Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana.
American Association Stories from August 3, 2021
- Milkmen Hang on for Series Clincher - Kane County Cougars
- Metzger Embraces Role as Leadoff Hitter, Lead Entertainer - Chicago Dogs
- Milkmen Tally 16 Hits, Tame Cougars 8-4 - Milwaukee Milkmen
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Cade Gotta Goes Deep, Scores Twice in Gary Opener - Sioux Falls Canaries
- RedHawks Defeat Monarchs in Opener - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Crouse's Late HR Not Enough to Fuel Dogs Comeback - Chicago Dogs
- Monarchs Nine Game Win Streak Snapped in Fargo-Moorhead - Kansas City Monarchs
- Hernandez Hammers Chicago as Cleburne Seizes Opener - Cleburne Railroaders
- Mercado's Four RBI Rockets RailCats Past Canaries - Gary SouthShore Railcats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Gary SouthShore Railcats Stories
- Sioux City Defeats RailCats in Pitching Duel
- Peyton Long Strikes out Nine, 'Cats Hold on 7-5
- RailCats Fall to Cleburne 10-6
- RailCats Blown Out by Cleburne
- RailCats Notch First Win, Defeat Railroaders 4-3
