FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (September 1, 2017)
Contact: Jared Shlensky
[email protected]

Box Score

GARY, Ind. — The fourth consecutive quality start from Daniel Minor wasn’t enough on Friday night in the series opener against Lincoln as the Gary SouthShore RailCats fell to the Saltdogs, 3-1. The loss officially gives Lincoln the Central Division Title, however, Gary trails Fargo-Moorhead and Kansas City by just a game in the Wild Card with three games remaining in the regular season. Gary also holds the tiebreaker advantage over both teams due to winning the head-to-head season series against both teams. 

Lincoln (58-38) jumped in front with the first run of the series in the top of the first. Cesar Valera singled to center on a 1-2 pitch for the first hit of the night before Joe Robbins pulled a single to left, giving the Saltdogs runners on first and second. Christian Ibarra then drew a walk before Nathaniel Maggio brought in Valera from third on an RBI fielder’s choice.

Gary (54-43) tied the game at 1-1 with a two-out run in the bottom of the sixth. Cameron Newell extended his season-high on-base streak to 18 games with a two-out single, however, Newell was able to take second due to a fielding error from Saltdogs center Joe Robbins. Kris Goodman followed with an RBI single to right-center, scoring Newell from second for the RailCats only run of the night

Juan Martinez gave the Saltdogs the lead for good with a two-out, two-run home run in the top of the seventh. Brandon Jacobs led off the inning with a walk before Martinez went deep to left, putting Lincoln in front of Gary, 3-1.

Minor (2-1) was charged with the loss after allowing three runs on seven hits, three walks and seven strikeouts in seven innings while Carlos Pinales tossed two scoreless innings of relief for Gary in the defeat.

J.R. Bunda (10-1) recorded the win despite allowing a hit to the only batter he faced. Michael Wagner allowed the RailCats to bring the go-ahead run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, however, struck out Andy De Jesus to end the game to earn the save (21).

Gary continues their four-game homestand on Saturday night at 6:10 p.m. vs. Lincoln. The RailCats have yet to announce their starter while the Saltdogs send right-hander Shairon Martis (4-1, 2.01) to the mound in game two of the series.

Saturday’s game is Oktoberfest, presented by Berey Bros., and features Pre-Game Autographs as soon as gates open. Enjoy delicious German food and beers at the ballpark and make sure you’re here early as the team will be on the concourse for pre-game autographs.

Jared Shlensky and Austin Anderson bring you all 100 RailCats games this season on WEFM (95.9 FM) and online at railcatsbaseball.com. Fans can purchase tickets for RailCats home games by calling (219) 882-BALL or online at railcatsbaseball.com. The RailCats box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.