Three-Run 8th Inning Gives RailCats Dramatic 3-2 Win
Published on August 19, 2016 under American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
Reggie Wilson and Anthony Cheky pounded back-to-back doubles to ignite an eighth inning comeback to defeat the Sioux Falls Canaries (29-55) 3-2 in front of 2,897 fans at US Steel Yard.
The win was crucial for the Gary SouthShore RailCats (42-42) who won their first series since July and gained one game in the American Association Central Division Standings. Division leaders Lincoln and Sioux Falls both lost and the RailCats took advantage with a win.
Conrad Wozniak took the hill to start the game after being activated from the Inactive List today. The rookie gave up one hit but pitched a scoreless inning in his first game back.
Travis McGee came on in the second inning and tossed his best game of the season. The Californian lasted six innings and did not allow a run on just two hits. McGee struck out a season-high nine batters and did not issue a walk.
The RailCats offense struggled to provide a punch behind the quality pitching. Three runners were caught stealing in the first two innings and seven runners were left on base in the game.
Canaries' starter Kris Regas, who entered with a 4-7 record, handled the Cats' order behind the strength of eight strikeouts. The RailCats managed just six hits against Regas, who opponents were hitting .322 against going into the game.
The pitchers' duel ended in the eighth. Moises Melendez came in to relieve McGee and gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, BJ Guinn. Right fielder Aaron Owen hit a line drive homer on the next pitch from Melendez to make it 2-0.
Madison Boer relieved Regas after the Canaries took the lead. He walked Chase Harris to start the bottom of the eighth. Then the extra-base hits came. Wilson doubled to left field to score Harris. Cheky followed with another double that scored Wilson to tie the game at two runs apiece. He moved to third on a fielder's choice ground ball from Frank Martinez. Next, Alex Crosby hit a ground ball to the right side that was misplayed by second baseman Darwin Perez and Cheky scampered home to score. The play was ruled a fielder's choice and an error.
Greg Tagert turned to closer Jorge de Leon with the 3-2 lead. De Leon, pitching for the third consecutive night, allowed a leadoff single but retired the next three batters to notch his sixth save of the season. He struck out Owen to end the game and seal the comeback victory for the RailCats.
The Wichita Wingnuts come to the SouthShore tomorrow to begin a three-game series with the RailCats. First pitch is at 7:10 PM and coverage begins at 6:45 PM on 95.9 WEFM and railcatsbaseball.com.
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- Three-Run 8th Inning Gives RailCats Dramatic 3-2 Win - Gary SouthShore Railcats
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