DAYTON – Once 4:10 p.m. struck at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton Sunday, the long and arduous season known as winter came to an end. Jose Nieves’ boys of summer, otherwise known as the Dragons, took the field in front of yet another sold-out crowd.
Photos:Dayton Dragons season opener
Unfortunately for the 9,027 in attendance, they went home disappointed. The Dragons lost their home opener 8-3 on a warm, sun-splashed afternoon against the Sound Bend Cubs.
A four-run seventh inning by the Cubs doomed Dayton, who fell to 1-3 on the season. All four runs in the seventh were charged to fireball pitcher Jeremy Kivel, who had trouble spotting his fastball in the strike zone. The four runs scored by the Cubs extended their lead to 8-3.
After Sound Bend got on the board with three runs in the top of the third, the Dragons sent eight to the plate while tying the game with three runs in the bottom of the third.. Garrett Boulware, Luis Gonzalez and Brian O’Grady all had RBI hits in the third.
The three run third inning was all of the Dragons’ offense Sunday.
South Bend broke the 3-3 stalemate in the top of the fifth when Rashad Crawford scored on a fielders choice.
Tejay Antone took the loss for Dayton after throwing five innings, allowing three earned runs.
The Dragons continue their homestand Monday against South Bend. Batavia native Seth Varner will be on the mound for the Dragons Monday.
