GARY, Ind. — The Gary SouthShore RailCats have an uphill climb as the series shifts back to Gary for Game Three after dropping another close game to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Thursday afternoon. After spotting Fargo an early 4-1 lead, the RailCats rally attempt fell just short as the RedHawks hung on for a 4-3 victory at Newman Outdoor Field to go 2-0 in the series.

For the second straight night, the RailCats struck first only to see the RedHawks claim the lead shortly thereafter. Louis Ott doubled with one out in the second and scored two batters later on an RBI single by first baseman Mike Rohde. Fargo second baseman Carlo Cota drove in all four runs for the RedHawks on a sacrifice fly in the fourth and a two-out double in the sixth to give the home team a 4-1 advantage.

The RailCats cut into the lead plating two runs in the eighth but would get no closer. Adam Klein tripled to begin the frame and scored on an RBI groundout by Mike Massaro. Later in the inning, Tanner Townsend tallied his second double and third hit of the game and scored later on an RBI single off the bat of Randall Simon. The tying run reached scoring position in the ninth for the ‘Cats but Jay Pecci was picked off second base and Chris Carrara grounded out to end the game.

Southpaw Jake Laber (1-0) earned the win allowing three runs on seven hits while striking five for the RedHawks. Nolan Nicholson (0-1) took the loss for the RailCats surrendering 4 runs (2 earned) on four hits while striking out five and walking four. picked up his first save of the postseason as well for the RedHawks.Casey Hoorelbeke

The RailCats bullpen was solid yet again as righty Chris Chavez threw a scoreless inning and two-thirds while Jeremy Hauer and Aaron Cook each retired the only batter they faced.  

The RailCats (0-2) and RedHawks (2-0) travel to Gary for Game Three at 7 p.m. at U. S. Steel Yard. Manager Greg Tagert will send his ace Willie Glen (11-2, 2.39 ERA) to the mound and the game will be broadcast live on 89.1 FM, The Lakeshore, and online at www.railcatsbaseball.com.  

The RailCats are pursuing a berth in a sixth consecutive Northern League Championship series and seeking to capture the franchise’s third Northern League Championship.  The ‘Cats return home to U. S. Steel Yard on Friday, September 10 for Game Three of this best of five series against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. For tickets call the RailCats at 219.822.2255 or visit www.railcatsbaseball.com.