Dragons fall to Great Lakes, but stay in first place

People sit social distanced during opening day for the Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton May 11, 2021. Contributed photo by E.L. Hubbard

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

People sit social distanced during opening day for the Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton May 11, 2021. Contributed photo by E.L. Hubbard

James Outman’s three-run home run highlighted a five-run first inning as the Great Lakes Loons defeated the Dayton Dragons 9-6 on Sunday afternoon.

Dragons starting pitcher Lyon Richardson (1-2) gave up seven hits and five runs with two walks and four strikeouts.

After trailing 5-0 after one-half inning, the Dragons cut the deficit to three with one run in the bottom of the first and another in the third. But Great Lakes responded with two runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh to make it 9-2. he Dragons scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull back within four at 9-5, but their only run the rest of the day was a solo home run by Jonathan Willems with one out in the ninth inning.

Miguel Hernandez had two hits and drove in a run, extending his hitting streak to eight games. James Free had a two-run double while Francisco Urbaez added two hits and an RBI. Alex McGarry had a run-scoring double while Jacob Hurtibise had a hit, walk, two runs scored, and his 22nd stolen base of the season.

Despite the loss, the Dragons (20-16) remained in first place, one-half game ahead of West Michigan in the East Division standings. West Michigan lost to Lansing, 6-2, on Sunday.

*** Dragons third baseman Juan Martinez, who had been out since May 30 with a leg injury, returned to the lineup as a defensive substitution and went 0 for 2.

TUESDAY’S GAME

Fort Wayne at Dayton, 7:05 p.m., 980