Corn Dogs drop first game 3-2 to Vikings

The Lake County Corn Dogs kicked off their inaugural season May 23 on the road versus the Southland Vikings at Dowling Park in Hammond.

The Corn Dogs’ first game will have to go down in Northern League history as a 3-2 loss.

In the top of the first inning, shortstop Tyler Schultz claimed Corn Dogs history with the team’s first-ever hit, a single off the Vikings’ Brett Smith. Schultz would be one of 10 runners Lake County left on base during the game.

Southland made the game 1-0 in the bottom of the first with a Jon Crowell sacrifice fly driving in Kyle Fenner.

The Corn Dogs scored off a two-out single from catcher Jaden Deel to send Cal Curiel to the plate. Deel picked up the first RBI in team history and Curiel became the first player to steal a base and score.

Vikings infielder Blaze Cano smacked an opposite field RBI double in the second inning to regain the lead. Cano then came around to score on a ground ball. The score was 3-1 moving into the third when Curiel’s RBI single made it a one-run game.

The pitchers settled in for the rest of the game, and the score ended 3-2. The Corn Dogs, under manager Justin Huisman, looked sharp in the field. Double plays, diving catches and on-base hustle kept the team in the game until the end, The Dogs had a man reach base in every inning.

Wednesday’s game against the Crestwood Panthers has been canceled and moved to a later date. The Corn Dogs home opener is Thursday, May 26 against the NWI Oilmen. Lake County also plays the Oilmen on Friday and Saturday. Game time is 7 p.m. for all three games.