By Ryan Zimmerman, Gary SouthShore RailCats

Oconomowoc, WI – The Gary SouthShore RailCats (35-47) got their best swings off late, but their early deficit proved too big to overcome as the Lake Country DockHounds (42-40) earned a 9-7 victory. 

Once again, Lake Country did not have to wait long to register their first run.  Two first-inning home runs ignited them to a three-run lead. 

The very next inning, the DockHounds got back to work offensively.  Another pair of runs extended their early edge to five. 

Gary SouthShore found their way onto the scoreboard in the top of the fourth as Marco Gonzalez capitalized on a mistake pitch.  Following a Jesus Marriaga walk, the third baseman launched a two-run home run, already his third in just his ninth game on the South Shore, lowering the RailCats deficit to three. 

However, the DockHounds canceled out the long ball right away, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to put up a three spot in their next turn at bat.  A three-run inside-the-park home run raced Lake Country ahead by six at 8-2. 

After the DockHounds produced another tally in the bottom of the fifth, the Gary SouthShore bullpen took over.  Aaron Phillips and Joan Valdez each faced the minimum in their innings in relief, conjuring the double plays they needed to halt Lake Country’s momentum. 

In the meantime, the RailCats offense started to find its footing.  With two outs in the top of the seventh, Francisco Del Valle connected on a solo home run, his seventh of the season, bringing Gary SouthShore to within sixth. 

Jack Eisenbarger proceeded to toss a scoreless eighth, setting up a furious rally in Gary SouthShore’s final trip to the plate.  Marriaga delivered a leadoff home run, and the next hitter, Gonzalez, promptly legged out a triple.  A Del Valle infield single brought him home, but a strikeout soon after reduced the RailCats to their final out. 

At that moment, Daniel Lingua stepped up to extend the ballgame.  He smashed a two-run home run, cutting the Lake Country advantage down to two. 

Nevertheless, the RailCats ran out of luck as the DockHounds bullpen stepped up to record the last out and lock down the win. 

The RailCats head back to Wisconsin Brewing Company Park tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. for their series finale in Lake Country.  Due to the game being selected as the American Association Game of the Week, you can catch Ryan Zimmerman on the call exclusively over the radio on 95.9 WEFM and the Gary SouthShore RailCats Broadcast Network through the Mixlr app.