AA Chicago Dogs

Palmeiro Party: Raffy Goes Deep Twice, Dogs Fall 5-4

Published on July 6, 2018 under American Association (AA)
Chicago Dogs News Release


Rosemont, Ill. - Rafael Palmeiro drove in all five Cleburne runs on the strength of two home runs, and the Dogs fell to the Railroaders 5-4 Friday night at Impact Field.

Playing in his first game since June 28, the 53-year-old Palmeiro went 3-3 on the night with a pair of home runs, a walk, and an RBI single.

The first of Palmeiro's long balls came on the heels of a walk by his son Patrick Palmeiro in the top of the second inning. Chicago responded quickly however, with two runs of their own on just one hit-a Tony Rosselli solo home run in the bottom of the frame.

The home half of the inning began with a rare three-base error by Cleburne center fielder K.C. Huth who dropped a fly ball off the bat of Chicago designated hitter Joe Benson. As a result, both of the runs allowed by Cleburne starter Michael Gunn in the frame were unearned.

Palmeiro would strike again in his next at-bat, launching another two-run bomb in the top of the fourth. Both homers came against Chicago starter Connor Root, who had entered the game having allowed just one home run through his first 42 innings on the year.

Gunn would cruise after his second inning hiccup, working the next five frames scoreless while allowing just three more hits. In in third start of the season, the Cleburne southpaw went seven innings, allowing no earned runs nor walks, and striking out seven batters. Gunn earned the victory, his second of the year.

Palmeiro would deliver his knockout blow in the top of the eighth inning. With two outs and Trevor Sealey on first base, Dogs manager Butch Hobson turned to left-handed reliever Rich Mascheri to counter the left-handed bat of Palmeiro. The Cleburne center fielder promptly deposited a long single down the right field line to score Sealey and put Cleburne in front 5-2.

The Dogs would mount one final rally in the bottom of the ninth. Chicago sent eight men to the plate, scoring two runs, but newly-acquired Kenny Wilson grounded out to third with the bases loaded to end the threat and allow Cleburne closer Shawn Blackwell to wriggle out of the jam.

Blackwell earned the save, his sixth of the year. Root took the loss, allowing four earned runs in five and one-third innings. The loss was the fourth in a row for the Chicago right-hander.

With the win, Cleburne (17-27) snaps a two-game losing streak, while Chicago (16-29) sees their two-game winning end with the loss.

The two teams will resume their three-game series Saturday night in Rosemont on Jimmy Buffett at Impact Field. Michael Wagner makes the start for the Dogs while Jared Mortensen gets the ball for the Railroaders. Tickets are on sale now in line at the Impact Field Ticket Office and online at www.thechicagodogs.com/tickets.

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American Association Stories from July 6, 2018


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