It’s likely back to the traditional white Monday when the Dragons start a three-game series with South Bend. But manager Dick Schofield said that decision usually lies with the starting pitcher. That will be left-hander Jacob Constante.
“It’s fun,” Schofield said with a smile. “That’s what it’s all about. Just run it out and see what happens.”
The things that had been happening the past two nights didn’t like Sunday’s bright sun. Tanner Rahier failed to get a hit for the first time since joining the Dragons on June 3. The timely hits were replaced by two double plays. And the pitchers allowed a four-run second inning, a season-high 17 hits and threw five wild pitches.
Still, the Dragons had a chance in the seventh inning to rally against reliever Blake Rogers. Trailing 7-2, James Vasquez doubled, went to third on Brantley Bell’s infield single and scored on Jose Duarte’s single. Shane Mardirosian singled to put runners on the corners. Luis Gonzalez was next, but the shortstop who hit his first home run in the third, bounced back to the mound for an inning-ending double play.
“Just a hit there makes it a three-run game and makes a big difference,” Schofield said. “We played well but just came up a little short.”
The Dragons (17-46) had won three of four and clinched their first home series win of the season Saturday. They were going for their first series sweep and second three-game winning streak. Schofield, though, remains positive.
“I think we’ve played well the last week and a half to two weeks,” he said.
Rahier has been a big part of that since joining the team after a one-year suspension. He was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
“He brings a lot of energy,” Schofield said. “I’m sure he’s very hungry to get his career back on track. It’s good to see. I’ve heard a lot of good things about him.”
Saturday leftovers: The Dragons' 6-5 win in 12 innings was their first walk-off victory this season. … The Dragons used six pitchers and struck out 16 Tincaps. The Dragons also struck out 16 on May 4 at Burlington in a 4-3 victory in 15 innings. … Fort Wayne first baseman Brad Zunica tied a Midwest League record with six strikeouts. He entered with a 10-game hitting streak and struck out in each at-bat. Former TinCap John Schroeder struck out six times on June 26, 1996. The other six-strikeout game happened in 2002.
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