FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2019
CONTACT: Jared Shlensky
[email protected]
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — A career-high seven innings pitched and seven strikeouts from rookie right-hander Nile Ball wasn’t enough on Thursday night in front 4,694 at Shaw Park as the Gary SouthShore RailCats (37-59) were blanked by the Winnipeg Goldeyes, 2-0, in the final road game of the year. Thursday’s series finale was the shortest nine-inning game (two hours, seven minutes) of the season, drops Gary to a season-worst 22 games below .500 and hands the RailCats their eighth sweep of the year.
Winnipeg scored the game’s only runs in the second inning on Dominic Ficociello’s two-run home run to right-center. Kyle Martin recorded his first of three singles to begin the inning before Ficociello followed with his 10th home run.
Gary brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth after Hayden Schilling drew a leadoff walk off Victor Capellan. However, the All-Star closer retired the next three batters he faced to end the game and record his league-high-tying 26th save.
Ball (2-3) was tagged with his second straight loss despite recording his second straight quality start. The right-hander yielded just five hits, hit a batter and walked none.
Kevin McGovern (12-7) tossed eight scoreless innings in the win. The southpaw yielded four singles, walked none and struck out six.
Gary returns home to U.S. Steel Yard on Saturday to conclude the season vs. Lincoln. RailCats’ right-hander David Griffin (2-1, 4.43) makes his second professional start in the series opener while the Saltdogs have yet to announce their starter for the series opener.
Saturday’s game is at 4:10 p.m. and is Oktoberfest, presented by Berey Bros., and features a team card set giveaway to the first 1,000 fans. Sunday’s game is also another AccessAbilities Signature Saturday and Kids Run the Bases.
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.
–RAILCATS–