Hubbart, Cardona Pitch Dragons to 4-1 Win

Dragons 4, Fort Wayne 1

Click here for the box score

Dayton (R-H-E): 4-4-0 Fort Wayne (R-H-E): 1-4-0

Win: Bryce Hubbart (1-0); Loss: Enmanuel Pinales (0-2); Save: Ryan Cardona (1)

HR: Dayton: Cam Collier (3rd, 0 on base in fifth inning; 101 mph exit velocity; 377’). Fort Wayne: Devin Ortiz (1st, 0 on base in fifth inning; 108 mph exit velocity; 444’).

Dayton, Ohio—Dayton pitchers Bryce Hubbart and Ryan Cardona combined on a four-hitter and Cam Collier hit his third home run of the year as the Dragons defeated the Fort Wayne TinCaps 4-1 on Tuesday night. The win squared the Dragons record on the year at 5-5.

A crowd of 7,607 was in attendance at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Dragons took command with a three-run third inning. The rally started when Leo Balcazar walked to open the frame, and Cade Hunter singled off the glove of the shortstop to move Balcazar to third. Logan Tanner looped a single to center field to drive in Balcazar, and Ethan O’Donnell singled to right to drive in Hunter. After a walk to Sal Stewart to load the bases, Hector Rodriguez delivered a sacrifice fly to drive in Tanner and make it 3-0.

Fort Wayne’s Devin Ortiz hit a long home run in the top of the fifth to make it 3-1, but Collier responded with a home run to right field in the bottom of the same inning. Collier has hit three home runs and driven in 12 runs in nine games this season while batting .342. He has had at least one hit in every game he has played in.

And its GONE! Home Run by Cam Collier 🔥🔥#feelthefire pic.twitter.com/Yb6WwTA9xb

— Dayton Dragons (@DragonsBaseball) April 17, 2024

Hubbart, the Dayton starter, was credited with the win. He worked five innings, allowing three hits and one run with two walks and six strikeouts. Cardona followed Hubbart and finished the game, going four shutout innings while allowing just one hit and one walk with five strikeouts to earn a save.

Hubbart credited his catcher, Logan Tanner, as a key to his success.

"Logan behind the plate called a heck of a game,” said Hubbart. “I shook off one time and it paid off, but other than that I just trusted him. Meeting before the game, talking about the hitters we were going to face, talking about our game plan. I trust Logan and he proved it tonight. Defense was incredible as well. I easily could have turned to a really sour outing real quick. (Carlos) Jorge had two big plays with guys on base. You can't ask for much more than that.”

"It's good. It's good to get back on track. I think we have a good squad here. We have a lot of guys that can flush the losses and guys that are here to play. They're here to have fun. We play as a team. A new week is a new week.”

The Dragons played their best defensive game of the season. Center fielder Carlos Jorge made two tremendous catches, each saving at least one run.

What a catch by Carlos Jorge!! 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/ApSgakwVZ2

— Dayton Dragons (@DragonsBaseball) April 17, 2024

Up Next: The Dragons (5-5) host Fort Wayne (4-5) in the second game of the six-game home series at Day Air Ballpark on Wednesday night at 7:05 pm. Johnathan Harmon (0-1, 5.79) will start for Dayton against Fort Wayne’s Jagger Haynes (0-0, 108.00). For ticket information, go to daytondragons.com/tickets or call (937) 228-2287.

On the Air: All Dragons home and road games are broadcast on radio on FOX Sports 980 AM WONE. Games can be heard on smart phones, iPads, and other mobile devices via the free Dragons Mobile App, or on a computer at wone.com. Games are also available on HD Radio on 104.7 WTUI HD 2.