GARY, Ind. — Fueled by a seven-run fourth inning, the Saltdogs (39-35) topped Gary SouthShore RailCats (41-35) 8-6 to complete a four-game sweep in front of 3,525 fans at U.S. Steel Yard Wednesday night.
Lincoln, four games above .500 for the first time in 2014, is now just one game back of the Central division lead, and even with the RailCats in the loss column.
Six of the seven runs scored by the 'Dogs in the fourth inning came with two outs. After a Matt Forgatch walk loaded the bases: Luis Nunez smacked a two-run double, followed in succession by a Jon Gaston two-run single and an Ian Gac two-run bomb to give Lincoln a 8-2 lead.
Things got a little sketchy for Lincoln in the ninth after Gary plated three runs and brought the possible tying run to the plate, but Marshall Schuler came in to save his 27th game, and fourth of the series.
Zachary Varce (5-6) pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on eight hits to earn the win. Morgan Coombs (5-8) allowed eight on 11 hits in five frames to suffer the loss.
The Saltdogs totaled 52 hits in the four-game sweep, and scored seven runs in an inning two times.
Luis Nunez finished the night 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI, and finished the series 11-for-19. Gac, who launched his 17th homer and second in two nights, went 2-for-5 with three RBI, extending his hit streak to 17 games.
With 27 saves (in 30 chances), Schuler has tied R.J. Rodriguez (2013) for the most saves by a Saltdogs pitcher in a single season.
Gaston and Mike Gilmartin also posted multi-hit games.
The Saltdogs return home Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. for a seven-game home stand, beginning with the first of four against Sioux Falls Canaries. LHP Kevin McGovern (2-1, 1.77) is scheduled to pitch for Lincoln. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
It's Thirsty Thursday at Haymarket Park August 7 featuring $1 Busch Light cans in the Home Run Terrace and Ameritas Koozie Giveaway night! Great seats are still available at www.saltdogs.com.