Dogs Cruise Past RailCats, 12-5, in Historic Opening Night Win

ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Chicago Dogs scored nine runs in the first two innings and never looked back, cruising to an 12-5 victory over the Gary SouthShore RailCats on a historic Opening Night at Impact Field.

The Dogs’ 12 runs tied a franchise record, previously set on August 7, 2018 against Fargo-Moorhead and again on August 25 against St. Paul.

A sellout crowd of 6,511, decked out in hot dog costumes, packed the stands as part of the Dogs’ successful World Record attempt for “Largest Gathering of Weiners.” An offensive explosion gave them plenty to celebrate.

The Dogs’ bats started hot right from the start, scoring three runs off RailCats starter Lars Liguori (L, 0-1). After a leadoff double by David Olmedo-Barrera, Trey Vavra ripped an RBI single to center field. Two batters later, Keon Barnum drilled the ball deep to right-center, scoring Vavra and Victor Roache for a 3-1 Dogs lead.

The red-hot start would continue into the second inning, where Olmedo-Barrera led off with a triple. The next at bat saw Edwin Arroyo drive in Olmedo-Barrera with an RBI double to right. Tony Rosselli continued the carnage and broke the game open after Trey Vavra and Keon Barnum reached, clearing the bases with a triple. He came came around to score off the bat of Jordan Dean, who himself crossed home on Harrison Smith’s triple, the third of the inning, to give the Dogs a commanding 9-1 lead.

Following a 57-minute rain delay in the third inning, the Dogs would add on two more runs in the fifth. An RBI groundout by Arroyo and a sacrifice fly from Vavra extended Chicago’s lead to 11-2.

In the seventh, two walks and a double by Olmedo-Barrera, his third extra-base hit of the game, loaded the bases for Vavra. The Menomonie, Wisconsin native would be hit by a pitch to bring in the Dogs’ twelfth run of the game, tying the franchise record.

On the mound, D.J. Snelten (W, 1-0) got things started with five quality innings. The former San Francisco Giant gave up two earned runs on only three hits, striking out seven and walking two batters.

Ben Allison entered the game in the sixth inning and provided 3.2 innings of work, giving up five hits and three runs while striking out four.

Brandon Shimo would slam the door on the RailCats, striking out Edgar Corcino to end the game.

The Dogs will return to action tomorrow night in game two of their opening series against Gary. Luke Westphal has the mound for the Dogs, going up against the RailCats’ Christian De Leon. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM.

Fans can tune in to The Chicago Dogs Baseball Network to watch every Dogs home game. For more updates, follow @TheChicagoDogs on social media and use the hashtag #TakeABite.