Cubs Score in 12th to Edge Dragons 4-3

South Bend, Ind.-South Bend's Bryant Flete delivered a game-ending sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 12th inning as the Cubs defeated the Dayton Dragons 4-3 on Tuesday night. The game was the start to a three-game series.

Dragons reliever Manuel Aybar started the 12th inning by issuing a pair of walks sandwiched around a bunt single to load the bases with no one out. After Aybar got a strikeout for the first out of the inning, Flete connected on a high fly ball to right that was deep enough to allow the winning run to score from third.

Dragons reliever Jesus Reyes pitched out of seemingly hopeless situations in ninth and 11th innings. In both frames, the Cubs had the winning run at third base with no one out, but Reyes was able to get a combination of ground outs and strikeouts to work out of both jams.

The Dragons nearly took the lead in the top of the 10th. Zack Shields doubled and a pair of walks to Shane Mardirosian and Tanner Rahier loaded the bases with two outs. James Vasquez lined a smash up the middle that was headed for center field to drive in at least one run, but the ball struck South Bend pitcher James Norwood in the chest and fell at his feet, and he picked up the ball and threw to first base to beat Vasquez and strand three runners.

The Dragons took the lead in the third inning when they put together a two-out rally. Zack Shields lined a double down the right field line and scored from second on an error by South Bend first baseman Tyler Alamo. The Dragons added two more in the fourth when Rahier singled, Vasquez walked, and Mitch Trees delivered a two-run double to make it 3-0.

South Bend scored one run in the bottom of the fourth and two more in the seventh to tie the game at 3-3.

Dragons starting pitcher Austin Orewiler pitched well and left the game with a two-run lead but received no decision. Orewiler worked six innings, allowing one run on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Aybar (1-2) was charged with the loss.

The Dragons finished with seven hits. Shields went 2 for 5 with two doubles. Rahier was 2 for 4 with a walk. 

The Dragons (14-44) battle the Cubs (34-22) in South Bend again on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Ty Boyles (0-4, 7.55) will start for Dayton against South Bend's Adbert Alzolay (4-2, 3.72).

The next home game at Fifth Third Field in Dayton is Friday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Fort Wayne. 

All Dragons games are broadcast on radio on Fox Sports 980 WONE and on the internet at wone.com. Games are also available on the Dayton Dragons mobile app.