Loss slows Chicago Dogs’ momentum just a little

The Chicago Dogs lost for just the fourth time in their last 14 games after being shut out by the Cleburne Railroaders 4-0 Wednesday night in Texas.

Cleburne got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the second inning as Dustin Peterson hit a solo home run to left, his second of the season.

It stayed 1-0 until the bottom of the seventh when reigning Atlantic League home run champion Anthony Brocato sent a 3-run shot over the right-field wall for his first homer of the year, putting Cleburne up 4-0.

Dogs starting pitcher Brock Bell was outstanding, throwing a season-high six innings, allowing just four hits with six strikeouts and no walks. Unfortunately for Chicago though, Railroaders starter Kade Mechals was just a bit better, throwing six scoreless innings.

The loss drops Chicago to 13-11, one game behind Cleburne, in second place in the Eastern Division. These two teams will play again Thursday night in Game 3 of this six-game series, with the Dogs sending John Baker to the hill while Cleburne will counter with Derek Craft.