Dayton, OH - Keith Castillo had three hits on Saturday night, including a lead-off double in the top of the ninth, but the Hot Rods (4-6, 45-34) stranded the tying run at third in the final frame of a 3-2 loss to the Dayton Dragons (6-3, 41-38). The loss ends the Hot Rods road trip, leaving the team with a 4-6 second-half record heading into the home portion of the 4th of July Weekend on Sunday night at Bowling Green Ballpark.

Castillo's first hit gave the Hot Rods an early lead on Saturday night, as he drove home Kevin Kiermaier with two outs in the second inning to for an early 1-0 lead.

Castillo had another single in the fourth inning before the Dragons took the lead in the bottom half of the frame. With one out, Yorman Rodriguez launched a towering home run to left field against C.J. Riefenhauser (ND) to put Dayton on top, 2-1.

Bowling Green tied it up in the sixth, this time without the help of Castillo. A lead-off walk began the frame by Robby Price. Two batters later he stood at third after an infield single from Nick Schwaner. After Castillo lined out, Hector Guevara delivered the game-tying hit, forcing home Price with a bloop single to right-center field.

It stayed tied at 2-2 into the bottom of the eighth inning when the Dragons took the lead against Austin Hubbard (L; 4-2). With two outs and a man at second base, a mishandled grounder by Derek Dietrich allowed Billy Hamilton to race home from second with the eventual game-winning run.

The Hot Rods had a chance in the ninth as Castillo began the frame with his double. Pinch-runner Robi Estrada took third on a groundout, but two more groundouts ended game in Dayton's favor.

Castillo was 3-4 with a double and his sixth RBI in four games with the Hot Rods. He also threw out his first base runner while catching his first game this season.

The Hot Rods now head back home to host a six-game homestand beginning Sunday night against the Great Lakes Loons. Enjoy fireworks after the game on Sunday courtesy of Bobcat of Bowling Green. First pitch is at 7:05 PM. Tickets are available at www.bghotrods.com.

Hot Rods Playoff Tickets are also on sale for the general public beginning Sunday. Bowling Green will host Games 2 and 3 (if necessary) of the first round playoff series on September 8 and 9 at Bowling Green Ballpark. 2011 Playoff Ticket Strips include a box seat to all six potential home playoff games and a limited edition Hot Rods Playoff T-Shirt for just $60. For more information, visit www.bghotrods.com.