Dogs fall 3-1 to Goldeyes

Winnipeg, Manitoba - A 2-out RBI and a strong outing from Winnipeg starter Tyler Herron doomed the Dogs in their quest for four straight victories, as they fell 3-1 to the Goldeyes in a rain-shortened affair Saturday night at Shaw Park.

Chicago was shutout through their first six innings at the plate for the second straight game, as Herron ultimately pitched seven innings, allowing one run on six hits. The right-hander struck out five, and earned his sixth win of the season.

Winnipeg struck first thanks to a two-out RBI single from Matt McCann that scored Dexter Kjerstad from second base in the bottom of the second inning.

Chicago had early chances at the plate against Herron, who entered the game having allowed the most earned runs of any pitcher in the American Association, but the Dogs hit into inning-ending double plays in each of their first two innings.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Dogs starter Jared Carkuff set down the first two Goldeyes batters before Reggie Abercrombie grounded a ball through the legs of Chicago first baseman Dalton Blaser, and into right field for a two-out hit. Tucker Nathans then doubled home Abercrombie, and Josh Mazola capped the inning with an RBI single to score Nathans.

All three Winnipeg runs in the game came with two outs in an inning. Carkuff took the loss, dropping his season record to 4-4.

Chicago finally broke through against Herron in the top of the seventh. Joe Benson led the frame off with a single to left field, and was driven in on a Tony Rosselli two-out single to center field.

Carkuff took the mound again for the bottom of the seventh, but in a full count to the leadoff batter in the inning, Tyler Baker, the Winnipeg skies opened up, and the game was placed in a rain delay.

After an 18-minute delay, the game was called due to inclement weather, giving the Goldeyes a 3-1 victory.

Chicago falls to 29-43 with the loss, and sees their three-game winning streak come to end. Winnipeg moves to 32-41 with the win.

The two teams will play the rubber match of their three-game weekend set Sunday at Shaw Park. In an all left-handed starting pitching matchup, Scott Barnes will take the mound for Chicago against Kevin McGovern for Winnipeg.

First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast at www.thechicagodogs.com/broadcasts/ with the Crowne Plaza Pregame Show beginning at 12:40 p.m.