In the series finale, the Lincoln SaltDogs (39-34) scored a run in each of the first seven innings to beat the Gary SouthShore RailCats (30-45) 7-4 in the deciding game of the series.
The SaltDogs’ leadoff batter would reach in each of the seven innings they would score while four of the leadoff batters delivered extra-base hits to start their frames.
Justin Byrd opened the game with a double on a routine fly-ball that was lost in the sun for Byrd’s first of three hits on the day.
A two-out walk to Alec Olund would tie the game in the bottom of the first after the RailCats loaded the bases, but they would leave three stranded headed to the second.
David Vidal drilled a solo home run off the scoreboard in left to kick off the second and the SaltDogs never looked back. Vidal was one of five ‘Dogs with a multi-hit effort in the 7-4 win while Byrd, Curt Smith, Skyler Weber, and Gunnar Buhner each had two or more hits as well.
The loss went to RailCats’ starter John Sheaks (0-5) in four innings of five-run baseball with seven hits, two walks and five strikeouts.
Ben Werenski (1-0) posted the win for the SaltDogs with five innings on the mound, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks as he struck out five.
In relief, James Pugliese came on for his league-leading twentieth save and shut the door to swipe the win for Lincoln.
The Gary SouthShore RailCats have a day off tomorrow and begin a three-game set against the Houston Apollos on Tuesday, August 10 at 7:10 p.m. at the Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana for the final leg of a ten-game home stand.