Three errors by the Gary defense and three unanswered runs from the Cleburne offense was too much to overcome on Sunday afternoon as the RailCats fell to the Railroaders, 3-1, in the rubber game. Following Sunday’s loss, Gary has dropped three consecutive series, seven of their last eight games and are a season-high-tying nine games below .500.
Gary (22-31) took the opening lead for the fourth straight game with their only run in the fourth. Colin Willis was hit in the ribs with one out before Danny De La Calle moved him up to second with a single to left. Tom Walraven then advanced both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt before Sean Guida brought in Willis to score from third with a two-out RBI infield single.
Cleburne (30-24) countered with an unearned run in the fifth to even the game. Grant Buck reached on a catching error by Alex Crosby following a dropped third strike to begin the inning before Hunter Clanin pulled a single to left. Kenny Meimerstorf then reached base on a dropped fly ball by Willis in right field to load the bases. Two batters later, Daniel Robertson brought home Buck from third with a sacrifice fly to left.
The Railroaders took the lead for good with a run in the sixth. Clanin doubled into the left field corner to start the inning before Meimerstof brought him around to with an RBI single down the right field line.
Cleburne added the game’s final run in the eighth. Chase Simpson drew a leadoff walk before Ryan Brett singled with one out. Simpson and Brett then executed the double steal, however, an error from De La Calle on the throw down to third, which was originally ruled batter’s interference, allowed Simpson to score.
Eudis Idrogo (4-3) recorded his second straight win in his first career start against Gary after allowing just one run over six innings. The southpaw allowed six hits, walked two, hit one and struck out six. Former Big Leaguer Nefi Ogando recorded a hold with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen while American Association All-Star closer Tyler Wilson secured the win with the save in a scoreless bottom of the ninth.
Colby Morris (0-1) signed his first American Association contract before the game and was charged with the loss in his league debut. The right-hander went 2.2 innings out of the bullpen, allowing a run on four hits.
Seth Hougesen allowed just an unearned run over 3.1 innings in his third pro start. The southpaw yielded just three hits and struck out two in his second appearance of the year against Cleburne. Ryan Thurston had his consecutive hitless and scoreless innings streak snapped after allowing an unearned run on two hits and two walks over two innings of relief.
Gary continues their season-long 10-day, 11-game homestand on Monday night at 7:10 p.m. in the opening contest of a four-game series against the league-best Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Frank Moscatiello (0-0, 4.09) makes his first American Association start for the RailCats while the RedHawks have yet to announce their starter.
Monday’s game is another Meaty Monday and Metro Monday. Visit participating Northwest Indiana Metro by T-Mobile locations for complimentary tickets and enjoy our hamburgers for just $2. Monday’s game is also Steger-South Chicago Heights and Lowell Public Library Night.
Ticket packages for the 2019 Gary SouthShore RailCats season are available online at railcatsbaseball.com and can also be purchased by calling the RailCats ticket line at (219) 882-BALL. The RailCats box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.