Sioux City, IA (June 9, 2021) – The Chicago Dogs have taken the first three games of the four game set from the Sioux City Explorers as the Dogs picked up the win on Wednesday, 6-2.

Once again the X’s bats were stymied by Chicago pitching. This time it was Connor Grey (2-2) who no-hit the X’s through the first five innings of the ball game. Grey picked up his second win of the year with a seven inning, one run performance where he allowed four hits, two walks and struck out a season high seven batters. After a walk with two outs in the bottom of the first, Grey then retired the next 13 straight Explorers he faced.

Chicago scored in the top of the second inning for the third time this series as Ryan Lidge led off the frame with a double and scored on a ground out to make it 1-0.

Chicago’s big rally of the night came in the fourth. When a throwing error opened up the door for the Dogs with one gone. With two on and two out it was Harrison Smith who rapped one off the right field fence scoring a pair. Michael Crouse immediately chased him home with a base hit. Crouse then stole second and took third on a second Sioux City error of the inning. After a walk, Brennan Metzger got caught in a run down attempting to steal second base long enough for Crouse to score and finish the four run rally, putting Chicago up 5-0.

X’s starter Zach Hedges (2-1) was handed his first loss of the year as he went six innings, allowing five runs, although only one was earned. On six hits, with five walks and two strikeouts.

Sioux City’s offense finally woke up in the sixth as Mitch Ghelfi led off the inning with a single. He would score on a two out single from Jose Sermo to get Sioux City on the board, making it 5-1.

The Dogs added a run in the eighth with a two out double from Michael Crouse who has four doubles and 5 RBI in his first two games back in the Chicago lineup.

Jose Sermo whacked his sixth home run of the home stand and eighth of the year in the eighth inning. The solo blast gave the game it’s final score 6-2.

Sioux City will look to stave off the four game sweep on Thursday as they send right hander Tyler Beardsley (3-1, 5.57) to the mound, he will be opposed by lefty Jake Dahlberg (1-1, 1.50) with first pitch set for 7:05 pm.

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By Connor Ryan