Dogs Snap Losing Streak Behind Kipper's Ks
August 4, 2021 - American Association (AA)
Chicago Dogs News Release
If a breaking ball is hung in the zone to Michael Crouse, chances are he'll make the pitcher pay.
Facing a 1-0 deficit and a 2-2 count with two outs in the third inning, Crouse was all over Kody Bullard's belt-high breaking ball. The Dogs' center fielder blasted a moonshot over the left field wall to take a 2-1 lead.
Harrison Smith's 3-for-4 night was highlighted by an RBI single to drive in Johnny Adams in the third, which ended up being the game-winning run in the Dogs' 4-2 win over the Cleburne Railroaders on Aug. 3.
Manager Butch Hobson made adjustments to the Dogs' lineup ahead of Tuesday's game, which resulted in 10 hits from seven of the nine Dogs hitters. After a three-run third inning for the Dogs, starter Jordan Kipper controlled the game with his late-breaking slider.
Kipper tossed six innings while allowing three hits, one run, two walks and seven strikeouts. The former Baltimore Orioles farmhand was on the attack early on, throwing first pitch strikes to the first four batters of the game.
And once Kipper got ahead in the count, the combination of his slider and splitter fanned the Railroaders early and often. Kipper was replaced by Jase Dalton to begin the seventh inning, who continued an impressive start to his professional career.
Dalton threw a perfect seventh inning, striking out two batters. After graduating from the University of South Alabama in the spring, Dalton has been a valuable addition to the Dogs' bullpen. Through 16.2 innings, Dalton has posted a 2.70 ERA.
After lefty reliever Cam Booser allowed a run with two outs in the seventh inning, Dogs closer Jeff Kinley entered to halt the Railroaders' comeback efforts. Kinley didn't allow a baserunner in one and one-third of an inning to save his 10th game of the season.
The Dogs entered Tuesday's contest riding their longest losing streak of the season at four games. This complete effort in Cleburne is a sign the Dogs are working their way back on track as a heated playoff race begins with less than 30 games left in the regular season.
The Dogs have an opportunity to cap off a six-game road trip with a win as Kyle Murphy makes his second professional start. Murphy allowed three runs on eight hits in his debut on July 30 in Kansas City.
American Association Stories from August 4, 2021
- RedHawks Drop Series Finale to Monarchs - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- X's Almost Pull off Upset of the Season - Sioux City Explorers
- 'Dogs Win Fourth Straight Game - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Murphy Mauls Railroaders to Move Dogs into Second Place - Chicago Dogs
- Canaries' Garkow Shuts Down RailCats' Bats in 4-1 Loss - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Railroaders Handcuffed by Murphy in Finale - Cleburne Railroaders
- Cougars Avoid Sweep - Kane County Cougars
- American Association Expands Playoff Structure - AA
- Milkmen Escape from Cougar's Den 4-3 - Milwaukee Milkmen
- Fully Jackcinated: Goldeyes Homer Three Times in First Home Game Since 2019 - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Svoboda's Gem Powers Canaries Past RailCats - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Dogs Snap Losing Streak Behind Kipper's Ks - Chicago Dogs
- Boxwell the Hero in Late-Inning Rally Past KC - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Canaries Clean up RailCats in 7-3 Loss - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
- Kipper's Strong Start Stymies Cleburne - Cleburne Railroaders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
