NL Gary SouthShore Railcats

RailCats Roll Past Valparaiso 11-2 in Benefit Exhibition

Published on May 12, 2010 under Northern League (NL)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release


GARY, Ind. - The Gary SouthShore RailCats scored six first inning runs on their way to an 11-2 win over the Valparaiso University Crusaders Wednesday night at U. S. Steel Yard in the team's annual charity exhibition game to raise money for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana.

Two days after being shut out in their first spring game, the RailCats went to work early against Valparaiso starter Steve Godawa, sending 11 men to the plate and scoring six runs on five hits, two walks and an error in the opening frame. Tanner Townsend, Jeff Beachum, Zach Rodeghero and Chris Carrara each had RBI singles in the inning, and two more runs scored when Mike Massaro reached on a two-out error.

The ‘Cats went right back to work in the second, getting two more runs when 2008 Valparaiso grad Rodeghero delivered a two-out, two-run single, scoring Beachum and Jay Pecci to build the RailCats lead to 8-0. Rodeghero, who played all nine innings and saw time at both first base and right field, went 3-for-4, walked, scored two runs and picked up three RBI. The former Crusader is in camp with the RailCats as a non-roster invitee after attending the club's Open Tryout, May 4.

While the RailCats were scoring runs in bunches off Crusader pitchers, ‘Cats starter Brad Halsey (1-0) was cruising early. Halsey faced nine hitters in his three inning stint and retired each one, notching one strikeout, six groundouts and two fly balls. The former Major Leaguer needed only 31 pitches to complete his night, throwing 21 of those pitches for strikes.

Another ex-big leaguer, Zach McClellan, pitched the next three innings for the ‘Cats and was solid, allowing only a Kyle Gaedele home run in the fourth inning. McClellan racked up three strikeouts and did not walk a man, pitching the ‘Cats through the sixth inning. Andy Shipman and Steve Teno closed out the game on the mound.

The RailCats rounded out their scoring in the eighth with three runs when Mike Reese drew a bases-loaded walk and Mike Rohde doubled down the right field line for the RailCats only extra-base hit of the game. The ‘Cats pounded out 14 hits in total and drew nine walks against nine Crusader pitchers.

Rohde tied Rodeghero for game-high honors with three hits, while Townsend and Carrara each singled twice. Robbie Robinson had two of Valpo's five hits.

Wednesday's exhibition was a benefit for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, with ticket proceeds donated to the group. The RailCats will donate nearly $1,500 to Boys & Girls Clubs as a result of Wednesday's gate, and several local Boys & Girls Clubs members were in attendance Wednesday night, including Kaelin Tate, who threw out a ceremonial first pitch, and Calvin Sanders, who appeared as a guest on the RailCats radio broadcast.

The RailCats exhibition season continues Thursday at 2 p.m. at Alexian Field against the Schaumburg Flyers. There will be no broadcast coverage of the game, but a full recap will be available on www.railcatsbaseball.com.

The ‘Cats open the 2010 regular season Thursday, May 20 at 7 p.m. against the Kansas City T-Bones. The first 1,500 fans will get a free collectable coin courtesy Salvi, Schostok and Pritchard, P.C., and after the game all fans can enjoy a post-game Fireworks Show from First Midwest Bank and the Post-Tribune. To order tickets, visit www.raiclatsbaseball.com or call the ‘Cats during regular office hours at 219.882.2255.

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Northern League Stories from May 12, 2010


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