RailCats Lose to Saltdogs in 11 Inning Series Opener
July 23, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
GARY, IN- The Gary SouthShore RailCats (31-29) could not hold an 8th inning lead and eventually lost 7-6 in 11 innings to the Lincoln Saltdogs (35-24).
The RailCats led 6-5 going to the top of the 9th inning with Jorge de Leon on the mound. The Cats' right-hander allowed a double by Austin Darby and Connor Teykl reached on a catcher's obstruction to bring up Robby Kuzdale. The center fielder hit a ground ball to third baseman Randy Santiesteban who threw a bouncing ball to first base that allowed Darby to score and tie the game.
The RailCats threatened with two base runners in the 9th and went in order in the 10th before the Saltdogs broke the tie. Santiago Rodriguez entered in the 11th and is charged with the loss. The reliever walked Luis Alen and surrendered a single to Brandon Jacobs to set the table for Rene Leveret. The Dogs' big first baseman ripped a double down the right field line knocking in the go-ahead run.
Gary SouthShore loaded the bases with one down in the bottom of the 11th but came up short. Anthony Cheky hit a sharp ground ball that Leveret was able to throw home to get the second out and Jose Gonzalez flew out to end the game.
RailCats starting pitcher Charle Rosario was excellent through six innings. The All-Star struck out seven batters and didn't allow a run in his first six frames. The Saltdogs jumped on Rosario in the 7th. Lincoln strung six hits together including two doubles and scored five runs in the frame.
The RailCats showed resilience in the next half inning. EJ Devarie reached on a walk and John Holland followed it with a single. Cameron Newell walked to load the bases for Cheky. The Portage man came through with a two RBI base hit and Jaime Del Valle continued the comeback with the go-ahead RBI single.
The extra-inning affair was the 15th time the Cats have gone past nine innings. The loss makes them 9-6 in that category. The American Association record for extra-inning wins in 10 and is held by the 2011 RailCats.
The team fell to 4-5 when committing two errors. The Saltdogs extended their division lead to 4.5 games over the RailCats.
The series continues tomorrow night with first pitch at 6:10 PM. Coverage begins at 5:45 PM on 95.9 WEFM and railcatsbaseball.com.
American Association Stories from July 23, 2016
- AirHogs Split Doubleheader with Sioux Falls - Texas AirHogs
- Mittelstaedt Hits for Cycle in Close Loss - Wichita Wingnuts
- Goldeyes Win Thriller in Kansas City - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- RailCats Lose Rain-Delayed Game to Saltdogs 4-1 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Canaries Split Double-Header in Texas on Saturday Night - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Saints Slip up against Lemurs, Lose 9-3 - St. Paul Saints
- 'Dogs Clinch Gary Series After Rain Delay - Lincoln Saltdogs
- EXPLORERS FALL TO REDHAWKS ON WALK-OFF HOMER - Sioux City Explorers
- RailCats Add Former Saltdog - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- RailCats Lose to Saltdogs in 11 Inning Series Opener - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Krueger Leads 19-Hit Outburst in Win at Wichita - Joplin Blasters
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.
