5-Run First Lifts 'Hawks to 6-0 Win over Dragons

South Bend 6, Dragons 0     

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South Bend, Ind.-The South Bend Silver Hawks scored five runs in the first inning on the way to a 6-0 victory over the Dayton Dragons in the first game of a three-game series on Monday night.  The loss dropped the Dragons to 2-3 on the season.

South Bend starting pitcher Cody Wheeler went the first five innings to earn the win.  He allowed two hits while walking one and striking out six.  Brandon Sinnery worked the final four innings to earn the save.  He allowed two hits with one walk and two strikeouts.

Dragons starting pitcher Wandy Peralta lasted just one inning, allowing five hits and five runs with one walk and one strikeout to suffer the loss.  Peralta's throwing error led to four unearned in the first inning.  Dragons relievers Wes Mugarian and Alejandro Chacin provided effective relief work, combining for seven innings.  Mugarian went four, allowing four hits and one run with a walk and two strikeouts.  Chacin worked three innings, giving up one hit and no runs with three strikeouts.

The Dragons were limited to four hits.  Beau Amaral went 2 for 4 with two singles and a stolen base.  Brent Peterson had a double and a walk for Dayton and finished the game with a batting average of .700.  He is 7 for 10 on the season.

The Dragons best chance to score came in the sixth inning when Peterson doubled to right with one out and went to third on Jesse Winker's infield single.  But Jeff Gelalich grounded to second into a double play to end the threat.

The Dragons (2-3) battle the Silver Hawks (3-2) in game two of the series on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.   Robert Stephenson (0-0, 5.40) will make his second start of the year for Dayton against South Bend's Jesse Darrah (0-0, 0.00).  The Dragons home opener is Thursday, April 11 at Fifth Third Field against the Great Lakes Loons.