The Hounds offense exploded Saturday afternoon, carrying the team to a mercy-shortened 19-7 victory over the Rebels in the first round playoff opener at Baseball Alley.

Bats combined for 15 hits on the day, while starter Eric Frontzak and reliever Jules Cantor tag-teamed to keep the 5-inning game out of reach. Frontzak contributed 4 innings of work, allowing 6 hits and 5 earned runs, whiffing 2. 

The Rebels jumped early, using their first half to convert a walk and a single into a 2 RBI single. However, the Hounds second inning was pivotal. A lead-off Daddy (1B) single and a follow-up Rondon (2B) just-fair double become their first and second runs thanks to a Brandon Jessee (CF) single. Hounds manager and chairperson Tony Correa (C) then smashed a once-in-a-decade home run to break the deadlock, reportedly his first over-the-fencer since the age of 10 and his last remaining visionboard item. They’d tack on two more to make it 6-2 before the third out was recorded. The dogpile continued in the third with a Greg Sells (SS) 3-run HR putting a fine point on a 12-run inning. The Rebels swatted a few runs to pester the Doggos into a 5th inning, avoiding a 15-run slaughter, but the good guys would notch the required run to setup the 12-run slaughter. Closer Cantor came in to complete the contest, allowing 1 run. Defensive sub Phil Zelenka (2B) squeezed the final out, a pop fly.

Nick Albanese (DH) was the base leader, with four total bases (a triple and a single) and perennial almost-MVP Arron Kruse collected 4 RBIs.

The Hounds will take a 24-hour break before coming back for the potential elimination game.