GARY, Ind. — Jimmy Rohan delivered a two-out, go-ahead hit in the ninth and the Saltdogs (20-29) held on for a 5-3 win over the Gary SouthShore RailCats (19-30) in front of 2,728 fans at U.S. Steel Yard Sunday afternoon.
With two strikes and two outs in the top of the ninth, Rohan grounded a single into center field to score David Espinosa and give the ‘Dogs a 4-3 lead. They would tack on another on a RailCats error.
In the bottom of the ninth, Pete Parise allowed runners to reach second and third with no outs before inducing a zany double play that featured two different rundowns and did not allow a ‘Cat to score. Parise worked a scoreless frame for his first save.
In the eighth inning, Brandon Cooney loaded the bases with one out but was able to get a 4-6-3 double play to avoid trouble. Cooney (3-2) pitched a scoreless eighth for the win.
Tommy Palica went seven innings, allowing two earned on eight hits while striking out six.
David Quinowski (1-1) gave up two runs, one earned, on two hits in one inning of relief to wear the loss.
Rohan finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Joe Spiers went 2-for-4 with a run and RBI and Asif Shah had a three-hit performance.
The teams meet again Monday night at 7:10 p.m. for game three of the four-game series. Ryan Sheldon (4-2, 3.65) is expected to pitch for the ‘Dogs against Will Krout (0-3, 4.02). Radio coverage begins at 6:40 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
The inaugural Haymarket Park Beer Fest takes place July 21 and will features beers from New Belgium Brewing and many other great breweries. Plus, live music from Lemon Fresh Day. For more information visit www.haymarketparkbeerfest.com.