Rained Out: Loons Win First of 2021

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons (1-2) claimed their first win over the Dayton Dragons (2-1) Thursday night with a 1-0 win at Dow Diamond. Continuous rain ended the third game of a six-game series in the 6th inning.

Thursday’s game was deemed official in the interest of players’ safety after consulting with the commissioner’s office.

Loons starter Juan Morillo attacked Dayton’s lineup with four strikeouts in 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits. Morillo’s night ended abruptly when he exited in the top of the 2nd with an apparent arm injury.

In immediate relief, lefty Jeff Belge (W, 1-0) worked through the Dragons lineup with no runs, hits or walks, striking out five in 2 1/3 innings. Belge ended 2019 in Great Lakes after spending a majority of the year in Ogden.

Dayton rode right-handed starter Noah Davis (L, 0-1) through all five innings allowing the only Loons run on a Miguel Vargas sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning. Davis, an 11th rounder in 2018, struck out eight batters over his five innings.

Cole Percival (S, 1), a non-drafted free agent, took over on the mound for the final two innings for Great Lakes working through two separate two-out rallies from Dayton. A two-out double from Dragons right fielder Mariel Bautista was squandered when Percival recorded his lone strikeout of the evening.

A six-game series between Dayton and Great Lakes continues with Feast Friday at Dow Diamond, featuring a great selection of food items between $1 – $5. Dodgers’ 2020 2nd round draft pick, Clayton Beeter, makes his professional debut Friday night as the Loons look to even the series versus Dayton.

The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team’s home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.