Dragons’ pitching shuts down Lake County

Credit: JIM NOELKER

Credit: JIM NOELKER

Dayton starting pitcher Carson Spiers and relievers Francis Peguero, Spencer Stockton and Stevie Branche combined to allow just one run on five hits while Allan Cerda and Ivan Johnson belted home runs as the Dragons defeated Lake County 4-1 on Saturday night.

The game was tied 1-1 entering the eighth inning before Dayton took the lead as Cerda singled, went to third on a double by Juan Martinez, and scored on Eric Yang’s sacrifice fly to make it 2-1. Johnson hit a two-run home run in the ninth to close out the scoring.

Spiers allowed one run over five innings for the Dragons. Peguero (1-1) tossed two scoreless innings to earn the win. Stockton pitched out of a jam in the eighth to hold the lead and Branche pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save.

Cerda had two hits including a solo homer in the fifth.  Michael Siani also had two hits, including a double.

With seven games to play, the Dragons continue to trail Cedar Rapids by four games in the race for the #2 seed in the playoffs. Cedar Rapids defeated Wisconsin on Saturday in 10 innings.