Eastlake, Ohio—Lake County’s Jorge Burgos hit a grand slam home run in the first inning and the Captains went on to defeat the Dayton Dragons 8-3 on Thursday night.  The game, played at Classic Park in Eastlake, Ohio, was the Midwest League season opener for both teams.

The first inning grand slam was followed by a three-run third inning as Lake County jumped out to an early 7-0 lead.  The Dragons out-hit the Captains in the game, 7-6, but surrendered nine walks and committed three errors leading to several scoring chances.  Burgos’ grand slam was the only hit in the first inning, coming after a hit batsman and two walks that loaded the bases with two outs.

Dayton’s offense featured three extra base hits, including a two-run double to the right-center field fence by Austin Hendrick with two outs in the ninth inning.  Justice Thompson had an RBI double in the fifth after Jack Rogers led off the inning with a triple.  Dayton shortstop Edwin Arroyo had two singles in the game.

Dragons starting pitcher Carson Rudd was charged with the loss.  Rudd worked the first two innings, allowing four runs on just one hit with three walks, a hit batsman, and three strikeouts.  Tanner Cooper followed Rudd and tossed three innings, surrendering four runs (two earned) on two hits with four walks and two strikeouts.  Brooks Crawford was the most effective Dayton pitcher on the night, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing three hits and two walks with two strikeouts.

Up Next:  The Dragons (0-1) play at Lake County (1-0) again on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. in the second game of the three-game series.  Thomas Farr, a product of the University of South Carolina who spent the entire 2022 season with the Dragons, will start for Dayton.  The Dragons open their home season at Day Air Ballpark on Tuesday, April 11 when they host the Great Lakes Loons at 7:05 p.m.  For ticket information, go to daytondragons.com or call (937) 228-2287.   

On the Air:  All Dragons home and road games are broadcast on radio on FOX Sports 980 AM WONE.  Games can be heard on smart phones, iPads, and other mobile devices via the free Dragons Mobile App, or on a computer at wone.com.  Games are also available on HD Radio on 104.7 WTUI HD 2.