The DockHounds’ season has officially begun, as of Friday, May 9. The team played their first game of 2025 in Rosemont, Illinois at Impact Field against Illinois rivals the Chicago Dogs. The opening game served as a great start to the year, with the DockHounds achieving a 5-4 victory. Brett Conine pitched the first five innings of the game. Conine is a right handed pitcher from Orange, California who only gave up one run throughout the evening. He struck out five batters as well, giving a solid performance against the opening day jitters.
After a tit for tat game, Brian Rey swept in with a homer that gave the DockHounds an additional two points, which put them ahead of the Dogs 3-1. This score was comfortably held for most of the game until the eighth inning. The Dogs leapt ahead, snatching up two more runs as the inning came to an end. The DockHounds were able to land two more runs at the start of the eighth, with Aaron Hill scoring right away. Shortly afterwards, a hit allowed Luis Aviles Jr. the chance to score the final point that would propel the DockHounds to victory. Aviles, who is originally from Florida, made the team champions. A solidly pitched second half of the inning allowed the DockHounds to maintain their score and clinch the night. The last inning was tense but exciting, and showed the team’s grit and potential.
The following evening was much more of a blowout, as the confidence of opening day allowed the DockHounds to win two in a row. The starting pitcher was Jacob Nix, a right handed pitcher who had previously played with the Orix Buffaloes. Brian Rey made big swings in the second game as well, as in just three hits he scored four points for the club. The DockHounds finished the game with a whopping 10-1 lead, only giving up a single run throughout the game.
The final game of the DockHounds opening weekend in Rosemont was a bit of a reality check. Chris Jefferson was the starting pitcher for the afternoon game. Despite best efforts, the Dogs showed up in strides, and launched ahead with a tight run streak that couldn’t be beat. The Dockhounds lost 3-6, concluding their weekend series. On Tuesday, May 13, the DockHounds will begin their series against the Milwaukee Milkmen. This Wisconsin rivalry is sure to result in a memorable game. As the DockHounds get to work for 2025, their future certainly looks bright.
