The Chicago Hounds played their greatest game ever today, defeating the Aviators 5-4 at beautiful Winnemac Park on a walk-off grand slam. As Tony (not Jr.) Correa (#13, C) might say: “that was a good movie.”
TJ Rinaldi (#1, CF) was the offensive hero of the day, hitting his first career grand slam with 2 strikes and 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th inning. The bases were loaded with Hounds, the score was 4-1, and the Hounds were literally down to their last strike as Rinaldi crushed a hanging curveball nearly to Foster Avenue. The Hounds and fans went wild. Hans Hetrick (#18, EH) was so moved doing the scorebook that he didn’t even record the 4 runs.
Alex Garcia (#10, P) threw a solid 6 innings against the normally mighty Aviators, after having defeated them on Opening Day as well. Brian Hearns (#30, 1B/P) threw a scoreless 7th for the win. Alex G. also started the Hounds rally in the 7th with a walk, and had a single on the day as well.
Rinaldi scored the first run for the Hounds in the 4th, reaching base on a walk. Correa drove in Rinaldi with a ringing double (Correa had 2 smash hits on the day). The Hounds threatened in multiple innings, stranding 3 in the 3rd and also leaving the bases loaded in the 5th, and the Hounds defense was solid all day.
Finally in the 7th and final frame Garcia walked with one out, and then Matthew Steffens (#5, SS) singled with two outs. Matt Burch (#6, 3B/1B) walked to load the bases. And then Rinaldi worked his wood bat magic for the win.
Another celebration at K’s with more than 15 Hounds and fans ensued, with Anthony Correa (not Sr.) buying everyone drinks for the amazing win. Even Meghan Tallent-Bennis made an appearance.
The Hounds face the Orioles and Jake “The Snake” tomorrow morning at Walther Christian (formerly Lutheran, they are trying to expand their base) at 10:00 am. See you there!