Loons, Dragons Split Doubleheader

DAYTON, Ohio - The Loons began a stretch of seven games in six days with a doubleheader split against the Dayton Dragons on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Field.
The Loons (34-31) scored a 3-1 victory in the first leg of the twin bill, and Dayton (39-26) avoided a sweep with a 4-2 win in the nightcap. The doubleheader was scheduled to make up for a rained-out game at Dow Diamond on May 24.
Right-hander A.J. Alexy (W, 1-2) turned in the finest start of his still-brief professional career in game one on Tuesday. Alexy, 19, was selected by the Dodgers in the 11th round out of Twin Valley (PA) High School, and pitched a career-high six innings en route to his first winning decision with the Loons (second career win in the organization). 
Alexy allowed a hit to the first batter he faced, lefty T.J. Friedl, but surrendered just one more hit the remainder of his outing. He walked two and struck out six. He retired 10 of his last 11 batters faced.
Offensively, Midwest League All-Stars Keibert Ruiz and Brendon Davis keyed the offensive in the game-one triumph. Ruiz batted 2-for-2 with an RBI double and a sacrifice bunt, while Davis scored two runs and also batted 2-for-2 with a walk. It was the Loons' first win of the season at Fifth Third Field in five attempts.
Dayton retaliated with a seven-hit output in the second seven-inning game. A two-run home run by righty Luis Gonzalez in the second inning off Loons' lefty spot-starter Christian Stolo (L, 1-2) made the score 2-0 Dragons in the second inning. 
A two-run retort by the Loons in the top of the fourth-featuring an RBI single by left-handed batter Cody Thomas-against righty Matt Blandino tied the game temporarily, but Dayton regained the lead in the bottom of the frame.
Canadian lefty Bruce Yari doubled twice off Stolo as part of a three-hit game and broke the tie with his second two-bagger in the fourth. It was the first professional start of Stolo's career.
With the series tied at one game apiece, the Loons settle in for the remainder of the set, and play Dayton on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 on ESPN 100.9-FM.
The 2016 Midwest League Champions and hosts of the 2017 MWL All-Star Game presented by GoGreat.com have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007. For tickets and more information about the Great Lakes Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.