LINCOLN — After squandering a four-run lead, the Saltdogs (17-11) rallied for five runs in the bottom of the eighth to beat the Gary SouthShore RailCats (13-15) 9-7 in front of 3,134 fans at Haymarket Park Friday night.
Leading 4-0 heading into the seventh, Saltdogs starting pitcher Lindsey Caughel was hit in the hand by a line drive and had to be removed from the game.
Gary promptly scored seven unanswered over two frames, including five unearned in the eighth to take a 7-4 lead.
The ‘Dogs loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth then got: an RBI hit from Dan Hennigan; an RBI walk from Mike Gilmartin; a two-run single by Curt Smith and an RBI single by Rene Leveret in quick succession to take a 9-7 lead.
Evan Reed allowed two base runners but worked a scoreless ninth for his seventh save of the season.
Caughel threw six scoreless innings, allowing three hits to lower his ERA to 1.50 but did not factor into the decision.
The series continues Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Shairon Martis is expected to face RHP Charle Rosaio. Radio coverage begins at 6:05 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.
Tomorrow: Souvenir Saturdays! U.S. Bank Saltdogs Camo Cap Giveaway. Great seats available at saltdogs.com.