ROSEMONT, Ill. — Keon Barnum broke the American Association single-season record with his 31st home run of the year, but the Chicago Dogs could not muster enough additional runs as they fell to the St. Paul Saints, 4-2, on Sunday night at Impact Field.

Barnum’s blast, a solo home run, came in the fourth inning off of St. Paul starter Jordan Jess to tie the game at one. The home run broke C.J. Ziegler’s mark of 30, which he set as a member of the Wichita Wingnuts in 2013.

On the mound, Austin Wright struck out ten over six strong innings. It marked the Schaumburg, Illinois native’s fourth start of the year with double-digit strikeouts.

St. Paul grabbed an early 1-0 lead when Brady Shoemaker hit an RBI single in the top of the first before Barnum’s historic game-tying homer.

The visitors reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth when Blake Schmit recorded an RBI double. Later in the frame, Schmit sped home on a wild pitch to push St. Paul’s lead to two.

Jalen Miller and Casey Crosby then combined for two shutout innings, striking out four batters.

The Saints added an insurance run off of Kyle Halbohn in the ninth before he shut the door to provide one last chance for Chicago.

Tony Rosselli came through with an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to bring the Dogs within two. With two on and two outs with Barnum at the plate, Tanner Kiest induced a popout to end the game.

The Dogs conclude the 2019 campaign tomorrow afternoon at Impact Field. Justin Goossen-Brown is slated for the start, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM.

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

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By Sam Brief