The Chicago Dogs defeated the Sioux City Explorers 4-2 at MercyOne Field Friday night. The win extends Chicago’s record to 8-5 on the season.

 

Chicago starting pitcher John Baker dominated in his seven-inning appearance. He allowed only two earned runs on six hits against the Explorers. He struck out three Sioux City hitters.

 

He allowed the runs in the bottom of the second and fourth innings. As the game went on, Baker got better.

 

Baker retired the final seven batters he faced.

 

Chicago’s early run production proved to be enough against the Explorers. The Dogs scored a run in each of the first three innings and the top of the fifth.

 

Brantley Bell hit his second home run of the season to give Chicago a one-run lead in the first inning.

 

Third baseman Dusty Stroup hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Narciso Crook, to extend the Dogs’ lead to 3-0.

 

Leadoff hitter Jesus Lujano and Crook finished the game with three hits apiece. The pair combined for six of the Dogs’ 10 hits on Friday.

 

Matt Walker and Joey Marciano earned scoreless relief appearances to finish the game. Marciano picked up his fifth save of the season.

 

The Dogs and Explorers will play Game 2 of the series at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday night.