GARY, Ind. — The Saltdogs (38-35) took two decisions from the Gary SouthShore RailCats (41-34) Tuesday night at U.S. Steel Yard, and are now just one game back – in the loss column – of the Central division lead with 27 games to play.
After rain suspended Monday night's game in the middle of the 11th, the clubs continued the action Tuesday evening with the game tied at 7-7.
Mike Gilmartin smacked a two-run homer to right, his second of the game, to give Lincoln a 9-7 lead in the top of the 12th. Marshall Schuler allowed a run in the bottom of the 12th but earned his 25th save of the year.
Lincoln scored seven runs on eight hits in the fifth inning to take a 7-3 lead before Gary rallied to tie the game – with three unearned runs – in the last of the fifth. The contest remained tied until Gilmartin's 12th-inning blast.
In the third game of the series, the regularly-scheduled nine-inning game Tuesday night, the Saltdogs had to take three different leads after the fifth and hang on to beat the RailCats 4-3.
Matt Forgatch beat out an infield single with one out in the ninth, stole second, and scored on a Luis Nunez single to center to give Lincoln a 4-3 lead.
Ian Gac homered in the sixth, putting the 'Dogs in front 1-0. It was long ball number 16 for Gac, and it extended his hit streak to 16 games.
Jake Meiers (2-3) got the win in relief. Schuler worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 26th save in 29 chances.
After taking the first three games, the Saltdogs go for the series sweep Wednesday night at 7:10 p.m. RHP Zachary Varce (4-6, 3.48) will face RHP Morgan Coombs (5-7, 4.88). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.