GARY, Ind. — Pete Parise threw five solid innings and Matt Forgatch launched his first home run in a 10-4 Saltdogs victory over the Gary SouthShore RailCats in front of 2,372 fans at U.S. Steel Yard Friday night.
Parise (1-0) pitched five innings, allowing a run on three hits to earn the victory. His counterpart, Ari Ronick (0-1), allowed four runs in five innings to suffer the loss.
Forgatch's three-run bomb came with two outs in the top of the third inning, giving the Saltdogs a 4-1 lead which they would not relinquish. Forgatch finished the evening 2-for-4 with two runs, three RBI and a stolen base.
Lincoln added four runs in the top of the sixth without any hits to pull away and make the score 8-1. The 'Dogs used three hit batsmen, a walk, two stolen bases and two errors to post the four-spot.
It was a balanced night for the 'Dogs offensively, as every player in the lineup either scored or drove in at least one run.
The Saltdogs and RailCats play game three of the four-game set Saturday evening at 6:10 p.m. Nathan Moreau (0-0, 0.00) gets the start for Lincoln against Stephen Hiscock (0-0, 0.00) for the 'Cats. Radio coverage begins at 5:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
Lincoln plays their home opener Thursday, May 23 at 7:05 p.m. against the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Special opening day tickets are still available – Home Run Terrace seat, all you can drink Pepsis and all you can eat Fairbury Brand hot dogs – for just $12! Purchase now at www.saltdogs.com.