LINCOLN — After tying the game in the eighth, going ahead with an unearned run in the ninth, the Gary SouthShore RailCats (4-4) finished the series-splitting victory on a play at the plate as they edged the Saltdogs (4-3) 3-2 in front of 2,069 fans at Haymarket Park Thursday night.
With two out in the bottom of the ninth, Jeremy Hamilton roped a double to right. Mike Gilmartin then singled to left, but Hamilton was thrown out at the plate by Roger Bernal, thanks in large part to an athletic tag by catcher Michael Vaughn.
Gary’s go-ahead run came home on a throwing error to third by the Lincoln pitcher, one frame after the RailCats eqaulized at 2-2 by capitalizing on a lead-off walk.
Jessie Snodgrass (2-0) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win. Kaohi Downing (0-2) allowed an unearned run in 1 1/3 innings of relief to take the loss. Andy Loomis worked the ninth to pick up the save.
Moises Melendez threw five strong innings in a spot start for Lincoln, allowing just a run on five hits while striking out five and walking one.
Matt Forgatch and Eddie Young each went 2-for-3 at the top of the Saltdogs order.
Lincoln opens a six-game Lone Star road trip Friday night in Amarillo at 7:05 p.m. LHP Kevin McGovern (1-0, 4.50) is expected to pitch for the ‘Dogs. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.