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AA Gary SouthShore Railcats

RailCats Miss Late Opportunities, Fall to Saltdogs

July 17, 2013 - American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release


Gary, IN - In a game that had opportunity for both teams in the late innings, it was the Saltdogs who broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning to defeat the RailCats 2-1 on Wednesday night. With the victory, Lincoln improved to 32-26 and took the series from the RailCats who fell to 34-23.

With the bases empty and two out in the decisive inning, Stephen Douglas lifted a fly ball into foul ground and first baseman Christian Vitters lost the ball in the air giving Douglas new life. The designated hitter took advantage with a single to right and David Espinosa followed him with a walk issued by Kyle Lindquist.

Curt Smith followed with an RBI single to right to score pinch-runner Jeff Squier and give the Saltdogs the lead.

RJ Rodriguez walked Danny Pulfer to begin the ninth and he stood in scoring position after Adam Klein bunted him to second. Rodriguez, however, got Mike Massaro and Brian Kolb to fly out to end the ballgame. For Rodriguez, it was his league-leading 21st save.

The Saltdogs struck first in the bottom of the fourth. With runners on the corners and one out, Jon Gaston punched a base hit to left to score Stephen Douglas and make it 1-0.

In the sixth, the RailCats tied the ballgame on an RBI single by Drew Martinez. His solid single to right scored Ryan Babineau from third. The RailCats were robbed of more offense on a dazzling diving stop by third baseman Curt Smith to end the inning.

That ended the night for Saltdogs starter Moises Melendez. Melendez took a no-decision allowing one run on five hits and a pair of walks. He struck out a season-high eight.

RailCats had a great opportunity to grab the lead in the seventh. With runners on first and second and nobody out, Mike Massaro popped out to the short and Brian Kolb grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Saltdogs had an equally great opportunity to take the lead with a leadoff double by Jon Gaston in the bottom of the seventh. Billy Spottiswood got out of the inning with a pair of fly outs and a strikeout of Sean O'Connell.

Spottiswood took a no-decision despite turning in his best start as a RailCat. In seven innings, the right-hander allowed one run on seven hits and one walk.

The missed opportunities offensively continued in the top of the eighth for the RailCats. With runners on first and second with one out, Drew Martinez struck out and Zac Mitchell, pinch-hitting for Ryan Brockett, flew out to left.

Finally, the Saltdogs took advantage of a late-game opportunity in the bottom of the eighth.

The RailCats stranded nine runners in scoring position, 11 total for the game.

The RailCats continue their seven-game road trip in Sioux Falls on Thursday. LHP Alain Quijano (8-3, 3.82 ERA) goes for the RailCats, the Canaries will send RHP Kyle Ruwe (6-5, 3.79 ERA). The radio broadcast for the RailCats and Saltdogs will begin at 7:00 p.m. on 89.1 FM the Lakeshore and RailCatsbaseball.com

One lucky fan will have a chance to take three swings to hit a home run and if that lucky fan does hit it out of the park they'll win $10,000 in the RailCats July JACK-pot. For more information on July JACK-pot, call (219) 882-2255.

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