Dyer Busts Up Hot Rods Losing Streak

Bowling Green, KY - On a day marked by solid pitching, Shane Dyer stole headlines as he hurled a complete game shutout in the second game of a doubleheader against the Lake County Captains (14-4). Dyer's strong effort led the Hot Rods to a 3-0 shutout victory, splitting their doubleheader with the Captains while ending a nine-game losing streak.

Dyer went the distance in the seven inning contest, allowing just four hits in the longest outing of his career. He struck out six batters and, for the second straight outing, did not issue a walk. The right-hander earned the first win for a starting pitcher this season, and is now 1-1 with a team-best 1.57 ERA through four starts. Over the last two games he's been particularly tough, going 13 innings, giving up just two earned runs with 14 K's and no walks.

Dyer got all the help he'd need in the last of the second inning as the Hot Rods (4-14) scored twice against Lake County starter Danny Salazar (L; 0-1). Julio Cedeno began the inning with a single, taking third when Kyle Spraker followed with a single of his own. Ty Morrison produced the first run of the game a few pitches later, bouncing out to second base but scoring Cedeno for his fourth RBI and a 1-0 lead.

The inning continued when Mayo Acosta reached on a fielder's choice, with Lake County throwing out Spraker at home plate on the play. Diogenese Luis followed with a walk before Brett Nommensen made it 2-0 with a base hit to left field to drive home Acosta.

That was all Dyer needed as he allowed just two base-runners to make it past first base. He got help with a diving catch from Morrison in the second inning, keeping Casey Frawley at second. A fifth inning double play also wiped out another potential Lake County rally.

Bowling Green scored its final run in the bottom of the sixth thanks to some aggressive base-running by Spraker. The third baseman drew a two-out walk, stole second, and advanced to third on a wild throw from Lake County catcher Chun Chen. He scored one pitch later on a wild pitch to cap the scoring at 3-0.

The second-game victory helped the Hot Rods avoid the series sweep as they lost the first game of the doubleheader 1-0. The only run scored in the top of the seventh against Scott Shuman (L; 0-1). After giving up a one-out double to Greg Folgia, Shuman threw a wild pick-off throw to center field that allowed pinch runner Delvi Cid to scored and break a scoreless tie.

Shuman's miscue spoiled an otherwise perfect day for Hot Rods starters. Shuman entered a scoreless game after Jason McEachern broke out of his early season funk with six shutout innings. He allowed just three hits, striking out two and walking two in the process. McEachern had allowed 22 hits in his three previous outings, never once pitching past the fifth inning. With his effort, the right-hander saw his ERA shrink from 8.53 to 5.79.

With the losing streak behind them, the Hot Rods now enjoy an off-day on Monday. They return to action with the start of a three-game series against the Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers) on Tuesday night. RHP Wilking Rodriguez (0-1, 3.18) takes the ball against Great Lakes RHP Matt Magill (0-0, 3.00). Tuesday night is Student Music Awards Night presented by Royal Music Company. First pitch is at 6:35 PM. Gates open at 5 PM for Season Ticket holders and 5:30 PM for the general public. For tickets, call 270.901.2121 or visit www.bghotrods.com.

You can follow the game on the radio beginning at 6:20 with Tom Gauthier and Hank Fuerst at 1340 WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.