RailCats Return Home to Drop Series Opener to Lincoln 4-2
Published on June 20, 2014 under American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
GARY, IN- Life on the road has been good for the Gary South Shore RailCats this season fashioning a 12-7 record on the American Association highways. Returning home to start a seven game home stand fresh off a 4-2 road trip the RailCats found life at home not as enjoyable on the scoreboard as they dropped their home record to 7-7 with a 4-2 loss to the Lincoln Saltdogs.
The RailCats took the lead courtesy of some shaky defense by Lincoln in the bottom of the second facing starter Zachary Varce. Wally Backman led off by getting aboard on an error by Lincoln first baseman Chris Anderson. Josh Romanski singled to right moving Backman to third but the throw from right field by Brian Joynt was wide of third and got away for the second error of the inning to bring Backman home to make it 1-0.
Lincoln came back to take the lead in the top of the fifth getting a single off of Stephen Hiscock to start the inning from Mike Gilmartin. He was followed by a Chris Anderson double to left and runners were at second and third. Eddie Young tied the game with a sac fly to center and it was 1-1. Lincoln 's Tyler Smith stepped up and delivered a single to score Anderson and the Saltdogs had the 2-1 lead.
The Saltdogs added another in the seventh off of Hiscock. Chris Anderson had a one out double and came home on another RBI single from Tyler Smith and it was 3-1 Lincoln. Hiscock would see Lincoln load the bases off against the right hander in the inning and was replaced by Chuck Fontana who was able to keep the game at 3-1. Hiscock (2-3) was charged with the loss despite tossing the clubs 19th quality start allowing seven hits with two walks and eight strike outs.
The RailCats would threaten in the bottom of the sixth loading the bases with no outs but Craig Maddox popped out to short and Wally Backman grounded into a double play to end the inning. Varce (2-2) left after six with one unearned run charged on four hits to get the win. The RailCats did get on the board in the seventh with a solo homerun by Josh Romanski off of Lincoln reliever Trey Barham to cut the lead to 3-2 but the RailCats could not get any closer as they were retired three up and three down in the eighth and ninth.
Fontana gave up a run in the eighth with a leadoff double to Luis Nunez. Matt Forgatch moved Nunez to third with a fly ball to center. The Cats then walked Brent Joynt to set up a double play chance. Fontana hit Mike Gilmartin to load the bases then walked Chris Anderson to bring in another run and it was 4-2. In the ninth former RailCats pitcher Marshall Schuler notched the save to close out the 4-2 win for Lincoln.
The two teams will play game two of the three game series with a 6:10pm start Saturday night at US Steel Yard. RHP Nick Green (0-2, 4.18) goes for the Saltdogs while Gary will counter with RHP Stephen Bougher (2-2, 3.43). The team will wear special Michael Jackson "Beat It" jerseys that will be auctioned off following the ball game.
The game will air on WEFM on the radio and via online video stream at RAILCATSBASEBALL.COM.
American Association Stories from June 20, 2014
- American Association Results - AA
- RailCats Add Muren and Palensky - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Wiley's Big Night Leads T-Bones to Victory - Kansas City Monarchs
- RailCats Return Home to Drop Series Opener to Lincoln 4-2 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Wise's Fireworks Aid 5-1 Win over RedHawks - Wichita Wingnuts
- Different Ballpark, Same Story Saints Can't Stop Boulders' Offense Lose 9-4 - St. Paul Saints
- Varce Sharp, Smith Clutch as Dogs Down Gary - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Mazzola Paces Fish to Quebec City Romp - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Unsuccessful Minor League Team, St. Paul Saints, to Continue History of Worst Fan Experience Promoti - St. Paul Saints
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.
