Game recap from the TinCaps:
Gore Sharp, But TinCaps Falter Late
DAYTON, Ohio (July 28, 2018) – The TinCaps led the Dragons 5-0 on Friday night, but Dayton (Cincinnati Reds) rallied late for an 8-6 win at Fifth Third Field.
Fort Wayne (15-18, 47-55) built its 5-0 advantage with a run in the second and four more in the fourth. Shortstop Gabriel Arias started the scoring with a solo blast to left-center field. It was the second home run of the season for the 18-year-old.
Designated hitter Esteury Ruiz hit a solo shot of his own to lead off the fourth – his team-best 10th of the year. That was the first of five consecutive hits that also included a single by second baseman Kelvin Melean, a single for Arias (plus an error), a run-scoring Luis Almanzar double, and a Jalen Washington single that made it 5-0.
Dayton (17-17, 48-54) got two runs back in the bottom half of the fourth on a two-run homer by Mark Kolozsvary that followed an error.
Each side traded a run in the fifth. For the ‘Caps, Ruiz hit a sac fly that drove in center fielder Jeisson Rosario, who had singled earlier in the inning. In the home fifth, Reds prospect Jose Garcia hit a rule-book double and scored on a base hit by Andy Sugilio.
A wild-pitch strike three, an error, and a walk loaded the bases for the Dragons in the bottom of the seventh. Center fielder Lorenzo Cedrola, who was acquired by the Reds in a trade with the Red Sox on July 4, launched a go-ahead grand slam. The next batter, Jeter Downs, went deep as well to give Dayton an 8-6 edge.
TinCaps starter MacKenzie Gore went five innings, throwing 81 pitches (58 strikes). Gore allowed only two earned runs as he struck out seven and didn’t walk any, though he did hit two batters in the first.
The ‘Caps out-hit the Dragons, 13-7. Rosario, left fielder Robbie Podorsky, Melean, Arias, Almanzar, and Washington each had two hits.