Ian Gac Attack Was Back in Game 2 for 11-4 Win: Lincoln Line
While not as dramatic as his two home run, seven RBI outburst in game 1 of the double-header against Sioux City, Ian Gac continued his assault on the Explorers, adding three hits in five trips to the plate, including his league leading 27th home run of the year. Gac helped the Lincoln Saltdogs sweep the double-header, giving them a half-game lead in the Central Division of the American Association, and the inside track to the playoff spot.
Sioux City got on the board first when Brock Kjeldgaard scored on a fielder’s choice in the top of the second. From there it all went downhill for the Explorers.
The Saltdogs scored 11 runs over the next four innings, including three in the third, four in the fourth, three more in the fifth and one final run in the sixth to take a 10-1 lead. Everyone added to the onslaught, including their main man Ian Gac.
Center fielder Matt Forgatch got the Saltdogs on the board in the third when he doubled with the bases full, plating three. Forgatch showed incredible skill at the plate, drilling an 0-2 pitch for the two-bagger.
In the fourth inning, three different players drove home runs. With the bases loaded Chad Mozingo’s single scored Jeremy Hamilton from third. Luis Nunez followed with a single that plated Mike Gilmartin and Tyler Smith. After Forgatch walked, Gac singled to score Mozingo and the lead was 7-1.
In the fifth three more runs crossed the plate. With runners at first and second Gilmartin doubled down the line scoring Hamilton and sending Brandon Pinckney to third. Kenny Long entered the game in relief to face Tyler Smith, but it was Smith who got the better of him, taking an 0-1 pitch the opposite way for a two-run single and a 10-1 lead.
In the sixth it was time for the master of ceremonies to put on a show. With Long still in the game, Gac led off the inning. After taking a called first strike, he took the next pitch over the left field wall for his 27th home run of the year, and increased the lead to 11-1. Gac, who is the reigning American Associations player of the week, is making a case for it again. So far this week the Saltdogs first baseman has 9 hits in 21 at-bats, has scored seven runs in five games, and has four home runs and 12 RBI. He is clearly making a case to be the American Association MVP with his play down the stretch.
Marquis Fleming earned the victory for Lincoln, going six innings, allowing four hits, three walks and one run, while striking out three. The victory was Fleming’s seventh in a row and moved his record to 10-3 on the season.
Justin Kuks pitched the final three innings and was credited with his first save of the season. The right-hander allowed four hits and one earned run, while walking two and striking out two others.
Jesse English took the loss to drop to 0-2 on the season. He lasted just 3.1 innings, allowing eight hits and seven runs. He also walked three and struck out four.
Lincoln has tomorrow off, and will resume their series against Sioux City on Sunday in Lincoln. They currently hold a half-game lead in the division race, but have to feel pretty good about their position, considering that they hold the tie-breaker with Gary. Should the two teams be tied after Monday’s games it will be the Saltdogs heading to Winnipeg. All Lincoln needs to do to get there is just win baby!
By Robert Pannier
Senior Baseball Editor
Member of the IBWAA