Corn Dogs Edge Vikings, 9-8, Move Record to League-Leading 8-1

By Noel Fary

Sparks flew last season when the Corn Dogs and Southland Vikings last played, and Tuesday’s matchup was no different.

In their first meeting season, the Corn Dogs squeezed out a 9-8 victory over the Vikings in a game where they knew they did not play their best baseball.

Check out the box score from the game.

In his first start of the season for the Corn Dogs, Gabe Stout pitched himself out of some tough situations, but then began having trouble finding the strike zone and it caught up with him.

But the Corn Dogs offense appeared polished, as they put up two runs in each of the first three innings.

Manager Justin Huisman praised his offense for their ability to back up their pitchers in tough game situations.

“We walked a lot of guys and pitched out of some jams to minimize damage,” Huisman said. “The hitters are doing enough to win ball games and keep us in games.”

Some crafty base running by Kevin Hall and Ray Hilbrich saw the Corn Dogs up six to three entering the top of the fifth inning.

After sloppy defense and an inability to finish on full counts, the Vikings put themselves within one run and took the lead on a two RBI single from center fielder Lucas Pajeau, seven to six.

Right on schedule, the Corn Dogs immediately answered and put together another come-from-behind rally, scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the lead. Ray Hilbrich, the Macron Player of the Game and Northern League Player of the Week, capped off the game with a solo shot to right field to tack on another insurance run in the bottom of the eighth.

The Vikings threatened, putting the game within one, but ultimately the Corn Dogs held on and kept the win streak alive.

Despite some inconsistencies in play, Huisman is happy to keep the victories coming.

“We’re still putting wins on the board,” Huisman said. “Hopefully, we can keep doing that, and when these guys get sharp we can clean it up and play some good baseball.”

The Corn Dogs are back home at Legacy Fields in Crown Point, Indiana on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. First pitch is 7 p.m.

Photo Caption: On Tuesday, the Corn Dogs franchise hosted Crossroads YMCA, who had purchased 352 tickets for kids to attend the 11 a.m. game. Corn Dogs mascot Cornelius received his share of love and attention from the youngsters.