The Dragons built a 4-0 lead, saw Great Lakes battled back in the seventh inning to make it 4-2, and then extended the lead to 9-2 in the top of the ninth, keyed by McAfee’s grand slam. Great Lakes scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to close out the scoring.
The victory was credited to Dragons reliever JC Keys, who went two and one-third innings without allowing a run. He surrendered just one hit. Dragons starting pitcher Lyon Richardson did not allow a hit or run in three innings, walking three and strikeout out three.
The Dragons will play at Great Lakes again on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m. Eduardo Salazar will start for the Dragons against Robinson Ortiz. Dayton’s home opener is May 11 (7:05 p.m.) against the Lansing Lugnuts at Day Air Ballpark.