Newcomers Impress, But Railroaders Fall in Opener
CLEBURNE, Texas (July 27, 2021) – Jalen Evans and Darrien Williams combined for five scoreless innings in relief, but a six-run top of the first inning pushed the Gary SouthShore RailCats to a 7-1 win over the Cleburne Railroaders on Tuesday night at The Depot at Cleburne Station.
Gary SouthShore starter Jack Alkire (4-5) tossed a complete game to earn the win for the RailCats, striking out a career-high ten hitters. He allowed just three hits and one run, which came in the bottom of the first. The durable right-hander threw 125 pitches on the night, one week after logging 134 pitches in his last start against Cleburne.
Evans and Williams were both making their first appearance for Cleburne (35-26), and found themselves called into action early as Gary SouthShore (25-38) banged out seven hits and six runs in the top of the first inning. Six of the seven hits were singles, with seven consecutive RailCats reaching base at one point in the inning.
Evans took over in the fourth inning and tossed four scoreless innings in his professional debut, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out four. He retired eight of the last nine that he faced to end his outing. Williams then took over and pitched around a two-walk walk to post a scoreless top of the eighth in his first professional appearance since the 2019 season in the Los Angeles Angels minor league system.
The Railroaders got their only run in the bottom of the first on back-to-back doubles from Zach Nehrir and Chase Simpson. Gary SouthShore added their final tally in the top of the third on a sacrifice fly from Tom Walraven.
The Railroaders and RailCats continue the series on Wednesday night at 7:06 PM. Garrett Alexander (6-5, 6.60) starts for the Railroaders, while Gary SouthShore has not yet announced their starter.
For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.