Cubs rally late, but Dayton escapes to win opener 5-4

Dayton, OH: Friday night was shaping up to be a fresh start and reset for the South Bend Cubs after dropping two out of three against the Lake County Captains in the previous series. After being up 2-0 after two innings, the Cubs surrendered the lead and ultimately dropped game one 5-4.

The Cubs roaring offensive start began courtesy of right fielder Jonathan Sierra, who powered a double into the right-center field gap and scored Tyler Durna for the game's first run. In the second, Rafael Narea ran a safety squeeze play to perfection and the bunt plated Brennen Davis from third base.
South Bend, who took three of four games from Dayton earlier this month, was in the driver's seat. But the Dragons had an answer and rallied against starter Brailyn Marquez.
After plating two runs in the 4th, Dayton added a couple more to take the lead in the bottom of the 5th off a ground ball hit up the middle by Pabel Manzanero. Shortstop Rafael Narea ranged two his left and dove for the baseball but could only knock it down. Michael Siani scored, and Brian Rey came racing home after the ball slipped away from Narea.
Dayton added a key insurance run to make it 5-2 in the 8th inning. Jay Schuyler picked up his second double of the game and plated Manzanero. This would be what separated the two clubs.
In the 9th, with the heart of their order coming up, South Bend's rally got started when both Narea and Delvin Zinn reached to start the inning. With a single, Zinn extended his hitting streak to eight games.
The next batter was Andy Weber, who laced a single into right and scored Narea. Tyler Durna then grounded out to bring Zinn home. With two outs and Weber at second base, Jonathan Sierra hit a hard line drive but straight to the second baseman to end the game.
South Bend's record now falls to 29-24 going into game two of the series tomorrow night at 7:00 PM. Right-hander Derek Casey will take the ball for the Cubs on Saturday.