Dogs Home Runs Contribute to Lincoln Loss

Rosemont, Illinois–   The Chicago Dogs hit two home runs that sparked the home team toward an 8-1 victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs, Saturday night at Impact Field.  Chicago claimed the first two games of the American Association inter-divisional series.  The Saltdogs will attempt to salvage the final game of the Memorial Day Weekend series, Sunday afternoon.

Chicago (7-8) scored eight runs off eight hits and committed one error.  Lincoln (3-11) had one run off five hits and committed two errors.

The Dogs started the scoring in the bottom of the second inning.  Facing Lincoln starter Greg Loukinen, Chcago’s Alex McGarry singled, then stole second base.  The next batter, Bryan Reyes, doubled, scoring McGarry, to put Chicago up 1-0.

A three-run inning in the fifth, expanded the Chicago lead.  Henry Kusiak and Jacob Teter started the inning by drawing a walk, each.  Then, Dusty Stroup hit a Loukinen 0-2 pitch over the left field wall for a three-run home run, put the Dogs ahead, 4-0.

Chicago doubled the lead in the bottom of the seventh.  Facing Lincoln reliever Jacob Roberts, Kusiak and Teter reached on walks, again.  Three batters later, Kyle Schmack drew a base on balls, as well.  The next batter, Alex McGarry hit a Roberts 0-2 pitch over the wall in right field for a grand-slam home run, putting the Dogs up, 8-0.

Lincoln’s lone run came in the top of the ninth.  Facing Chicago reliever Keoni Cavaco, the Saltdogs’ Yusniel Diaz singled, with one out.  Then, Rolando Espinosa singled, to put runners at first and second.  The next batter, Jack Cone, reached on a fielder’s choice, as Espinosa was forced out at second.  The relay-throw, back to first, on the attempted double-play, sailed high and went out of play, allowing Diaz to score, to make it 8-1.  However, Cavaco got Connor Denning to fly out to right field to end the game.

The Dogs starter Brady Miller (2-1) pitched 7.0 innings, giving up no runs, three hits, struck out four and walked one, to earn the win.  Keoni Cavaco pitched 2.0 innings, giving up one unearned run, two hits and struck out two.

Saltdogs’ starter Greg Loukinen (0-2) pitched 4.1 innings, giving up four runs off six hits, struck out five and walked two, taking the loss.  Matt Mullenbach pitched 1.2 innings, giving up no runs off one hit and struck out two.  Jacob Roberts pitched 1.0 inning, gave up four runs off one hit, struck out two and walked three.  Gaylon Viney pitched 1.0 inning and struck out one.

Offensively for Chicago, Dusty Stroup was 1-fo-3 with a three-run home run.  Alex McGarry was 2-for-4 with a grand-slam home run.  Bryan Reyes was 3-for-4 and drove in two runs.

For Lincoln, Jack Cone went 2-for-4.

The final game of the series is Sunday afternoon at Impact Field, at 3:00 p.m.  RHP Johnny Blake (0-0, 6.30 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  Chicago will go with LHP Zach Davidson (0-0, 7.88 ERA).  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240AM, and stream at:  www.kfornow.com.  Live video of the game will stream at:  www.aabaseball.tv.

After Sunday’s game, Lincoln will return home and begin a three-game series with the Lake Country DockHounds, at Haymarket Park.  First pitch for all three games of the series, Monday through Wednesday, will be at 7:05 p.m.  Monday’s game is Mini & Military Monday: Fans 12 and under and all military personnel receive BOGO tickets! Plus, it’s  “Saltdogs Guaranteed Win Night”.  (If the Saltdogs don’t win Monday’s game, fans may exchange their ticket at the box office for a FREE ticket of equal or lesser value to the Tuesday, 5/27 game).  For tickets, merchandise, promotions and more, go to:  www.saltdogs.com.