The RailCats have been forced into must-win mode in the American Association playoffs.
Their 5-2 loss to Wichita in Game 2 on Thursday night at the Steel Yard put them on the brink of elimination in the best-of-5 first-round series.
“That was disappointing,” RailCats manager Greg Tagert said. “We did not play as we as we should or can.
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“But until you lose three, you’re still in it.”
The duration of the series shifts to Wichita, with Game 3 at 7:05 p.m. Saturday after Friday’s off day.
Right-hander Daniel Minor (3-1, 1.47 ERA) is scheduled to start for the RailCats. The Wingnuts were expected to have right-hander Eddie Medina (9-3, 3.09) on the mound.
Wichita scored four runs in Thursday’s third inning, aided by a RailCats error. After Brennen Salgado blooped a double and Jacob Morris walked, the RailCats committed an error on a sacrifice bunt attempt, allowing the first run to score. Christian Stringer followed with a two-run single.
The RailCats answered with a run in the bottom of the inning on Alex Crosby’s RBI single. But they failed to score more after loading the bases with no outs.
“That (third) inning, it took a turn for the worst,” Tagert said.
Crosby homered to right in the fifth to make it 4-2.
Wichita scored a two-out run in the sixth when Matt Chavez doubled and Richard Prigatano singled.
Wichita starter Alex Boshers allowed two runs on six hits in five innings. The right-hander also had seven strikeouts with two walks after the RailCats struck out 11 times in Game 1. They struck out 12 times in Game 2.
RailCats left-hander Jeff McKenzie allowed four earned runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.
“Jeff McKenzie pitched a heck of a ballgame,” Tagert said. “His line was a little deceiving.
“Our pitching the last two nights has held this club down.”
The RailCats made five changes to their lineup between Games 1 and 2, but scored two runs for the second straight game.
“We have a little different look, see if we can get some offense,” Tagert said before Game 2. “It’s a chance to get everybody involved too. We’re thrilled to be playing, this group is thrilled to be playing. But I don’t get a sense they’re just complacent with being here.
“With this ballclub we’ve had and the involvement we’ve had from everybody and the contributions, I did want to make sure everybody was expected to play in this postseason. This was a great night to do it and we would’ve done it regardless of (Wednesday’s) outcome.”
Crosby, who started at first base and led off both games, went 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs in Game 2.
“The offense has been a little stagnant for several games,” Tagert said after the game.
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