Kipper’s Strong Start Stymies Cleburne
CLEBURNE, Texas (Aug. 3, 2021) – Chicago starter Jordan Kipper tossed six innings allowing just one run on three hits, and the Dogs evened the series with a 4-2 win over the Cleburne Railroaders on Tuesday night at The Depot.
Cleburne (39-29) scored first in the second inning when newcomer D.J. Peterson singled in his first Railroaders at-bat, moved to third on a Chase Simpson single, and scored via a Hunter Clanin sacrifice fly. That proved to be the only tally against Kipper (7-3), who allowed only one hit the rest of the way while striking out the side in the sixth to end his outing. The right-hander fanned seven Cleburne hitters on the night.
Three two-out runs for Chicago in the top of the third proved to be the difference. Michael Crouse cranked a two-run homer to give the Dogs (41-30) a 2-1 lead, and then three more hits capped by a single from Harrison Smith made it 3-1 Chicago.
Two Cleburne errors opened the door for an eighth inning insurance run, as Brennan Metzger scampered home from third base on an errant throw from Clanin to push the lead out to 4-1.
Peterson pulled Cleburne closer in the bottom of the eighth, lining a two-out RBI single to pull the Railroaders within 4-2. Chicago closer Jeff Kinley came out of the bullpen to pick off Peterson, ending the inning. The Dogs lefty then set the side down in order in the ninth to notch his tenth save.
Kody Bullard (1-1) took the loss for Cleburne, allowing three runs over four innings of work. Garrett Alexander, Austin Fairchild, newcomer Daniel James and Joseph Camacho did not allow an earned run over five innings of relief, picking up five strikeouts along the way.
The Railroaders and Dogs conclude the series on Wednesday night at 7:06 PM. Cleburne will start right-hander Jheyson Manzueta (5-2, 3.37), while the Dogs counter with right-hander Kyle Murphy (0-1, 5.40).
For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.