Chicago Dogs pitching blows five run lead, loses series opener against Cleburne Railroaders, 9-8.

 

Everything started off extremely well for the Chicago Dogs. Right off the bat, the offense was attacking Cleburne pitching. To start off for the Dogs, outfielder Narciso Crook blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning.

 

Crook’s solo shot put him back in the league lead in home runs, now tied in first with Cleburne’s Carter Aldrete, who both have seven long shots on the season.

 

The Dogs’ bats continued, when left fielder Jesus Lujano hit an RBI single in the top of the third inning, adding another run to the scoreboard. Lujano has been excellent at the leadoff spot for the Dogs, now batting .448 on the season.

 

These two early runs were just the beginning, as lefty slugger Jacob Teter stepped to the plate with bases loaded in the third inning. Teter did what he does best, taking the ball deep for a grand slam. Teter’s sixth home run of the season tied him at second in the American Association in home runs.

 

The mash brothers – Narciso Crook and Jacob Teter – have been incredible all season long for the Dogs. The two first-year Dogs players have combined to hit 13 home runs over 16 games.

 

The game was flowing smoothly for Chicago, until starting pitcher Kenny Serwa’s pitch count started to get high. The righty had allowed only two runs over five innings, but couldn’t catch a break during the sixth inning. Serwa collapsed, giving up five earned runs in the top of the sixth inning, unable to record a single out.

 

Serwa was relieved by Michael Krauza, who continued the trend of eruptions for Chicago. Over one inning pitched, Krauza gave up two earned runs after allowing a hit and walking three batters.

 

A late game comeback was flared by another Jesus Lujano RBI single as well as a David Maberry solo home run. The efforts weren’t enough, as the team dropped the series opener, 9 -8.

 

Game two of the series is set to start at 10:30 AM tomorrow.