GARY SCORES EARLY AND OFTEN, ASSUMES CO-LEAD

GARY, Ind. — The Gary SouthShore RailCats (18-16) persistent attack consistently found holes in a 10-2 victory over the Saltdogs (18-16) in front of 4,363 fans at U.S. Steel Yard Friday night.

After three innings, the RailCats assumed a 4-1 lead, highlighted by a walk-two bunt hit second frame.

Gary extended it’s lead to 6-1 after the middle frames and delivered the knockout blow with a three-run eighth, toppling the Saltdogs for the third straight time and pulling even atop the American Association Central.

Travis McGee (2-5) pitched 3 1/3 innings of one-hit relief to earn the win. Shairon Martis (4-4) yielded five runs on nine hits in five innings to suffer the loss.

The Saltdogs wrapped out 10 hits but stranded 11 men on the base paths.

Luis Alen went 3-for-5 and Austin Darby went 2-for-4 with a double.

Lincoln shares first place for the first time since June 6. The ‘Dogs have never not at least had a share of first place this season.

The clubs continue to battle for Central division supremacy Saturday night at 6:10 p.m. LHP Jeff McKenzie is expected to face RHP Richard Castillo.

Radio coverage begins at 5:35 p.m. on KFOR FM 103.3/1240 AM.