Three Chicago Dogs players hit home runs as the team cruises past Gary, 12-3.

 

The Dogs finally returned home after the All-Star break and an eight game road trip, hosting Gary for a three game series.

 

American Association All-Star John Baker got the nod, throwing seven innings of two run ball, striking out six batters.

 

Baker held Gary to a shutout through 4.2 innings, until Miguel Sierra pounded a home run to left field.

 

Baker’s strong performance was contagious as his offense was on fire the entire night.

 

The Dogs rolled out six runs in the second inning highlighted by a Nick Novak three run home run.

 

Novak’s long ball was his first in a Chicago Dogs uniform.

 

The Dogs offense didn’t stop there, scoring four more runs in the fifth inning.

 

Following a Johnni Turbo double, Chase Harris doubled to left field, scoring Turbo. Harris almost immediately scored, as Novak singled to center field.

 

Dusty Stroup’s hot streak continued, drilling his 11th home run of the season, a two run shot.

 

To put the cherry on top, the Dogs added two more runs on the board in the sixth inning off of a Chad Pike home run.

 

Pike, the rookie two-way player, has started his professional career by batting 3 for 10 with three runs scored and two runs batted in.

 

Baker was relieved by Zach Davidson and Brian Schlitter, who combined to throw two hitless innings out of the bullpen.

 

The Dogs will look for the series victory in game two, having rookie pitcher Brady Miller make his first professional baseball start.