GARY, Ind. — Zachary Varce impressed over six innings and Tyler Smith delivered some big hits as the Saltdogs (15-19) topped the Gary SouthShore RailCats (19-14) 4-2 in front of 5,503 fans at U.S. Steel Yard Friday night.
Varce (2-2) tossed six frames, allowing just one unearned run with three strikeouts and two walks to earn the win.
Lincoln began the fifth inning with a Mike Gilmartin single and Chris Anderson double before Eddie Young hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game. Smith then singled in Anderson to give the 'Dogs the 2-1 lead.
Smith lined a two-out single to center in the seventh inning to boost the 'Dogs lead to 3-1. Josh Romanski launched a home run to right in the bottom of the seventh to cut Lincoln's lead back to one.
Stephen Hiscock (2-3) gave up three runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings to suffer the loss. Marshall Schuler pitched a perfect ninth for his ninth save of the year.
Smith finished 2-for-3 with two RBI. Anderson went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two runs and a RBI. Luis Nunez went 2-for-4 with a double a run. Mozingo was held hitless, snapping his hit streak at 14 games.
The clubs are back at it Saturday night at 7:10 p.m. for game two of the three-game series. RHP Nick Green (0-2, 4.18) will be on the mound for the 'Dogs against RHP Stephen Bougher (2-2, 3.43). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.