FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (September 2, 2017)
}Contact: Jared Shlensky
[email protected]
Article written by Austin Anderson, Broadcast & Media Relations Asst.

Box score

GARY, Ind. — The Gary SouthShore RailCats (56-43) took the penultimate game of the season Sunday in extras as they defeated the Lincoln Saltdogs (58-39) by a score of 2-1. With the victory, the RailCats stay in playoff contention, needing one more victory and a Fargo-Moorhead loss to Winnipeg on Monday to clinch the Wild Card and the team’s first playoff berth since 2013.

Chase Harris led off the bottom half of the 10th inning with a single to left field and advanced to second on Alex Crosby’s four-pitch walk. Reggie Wilson grounded into a fielder’s choice, however, the throw from shortstop Christian Ibarra to first base went wide, allowing Harris to score the game-winning run.

Lincoln jumped in front with a two-out run in the top of the fourth. Curt Smith doubled down the left field line with one-out for his first hit of the series before Brandon Jacobs brought Smith around to score with an RBI single to center.

Gary quickly tied the game with a two-out run in the bottom of the fourth, tying the game at 1-1. Frank Martinez led off the inning with a sharp single off the left field wall. Jose Gonzalez and Ryan Fitzgerald advanced Martinez to third with back-to-back groundouts before Cole Fabio looped an RBI single into shallow right-center, bringing home Martinez for the RailCats first run of the night.

Jeff McKenzie pitched a solid eight innings, only allowing one run on seven hits and struck out three while walking none in a no-decision. Jorge De Leon (9-2) pitched the final two innings without allowing a run on two hits to earn the victory.

Lincoln’s Bennett Parry matched McKenzie’s effort by allowing one run over eight innings as he only gave up seven hits while striking out three and walking none. Cameron McVey (1-1) allowed the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th to suffer the loss.

Gary concludes the regular season on Monday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. vs. Lincoln. Southpaw Alex Gunn (8-5, 3.47) makes his league-high 25th start of the year for the RailCats while the Saltdogs send right-hander Seth Webster (5-4, 3.71) to the hill.

Monday’s game is Fan Appreciation Day and the last regular season MetroPCS Monday. Visit your local NW Indiana MetroPCS locations for reserved seat ticket vouchers and remember to bring your glove and a ball for a pre-game catch on the field with the team before first pitch.                      

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.