Rain Expected as Dragons, Loons Open Series in Midland

MIDLAND, Mich. (Interstat) — The Great Lakes Loons, owners of the Midwest League’s best record, will look to extend their strong early-season start when they host the .500 Dayton Dragons on Tuesday at Dow Diamond. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. EDT, though forecasts call for rain and a temperature of 75 degrees.

The Loons (6-3) enter having won five of their last seven, including a series victory at West Michigan last week. The Dragons (4-4) are coming off a 7-4 home loss to Lake County on Sunday, splitting a six-game set with the Captains.

Dayton will send right-hander Reynardo Cruz (0-1, 4.50 ERA) to the mound. Cruz took the loss in his first start of the season on April 7, allowing three runs on five hits over four innings against Lake County. The Dragons’ bullpen has been a bright spot, with reliever Brody Jessee emerging as a key arm. In his last two appearances, Jessee has struck out six over four innings while allowing just one earned run.

Great Lakes will counter with right-hander Aidan Foeller (0-0, 0.00 ERA), making his first start of the campaign. The Loons’ pitching staff has been formidable, highlighted by reliever Christian Zazueta. In two outings spanning 7 2/3 innings, Zazueta has racked up 14 strikeouts, though he allowed three earned runs in his most recent appearance Sunday.

Offensively, Dayton first baseman Carter Graham provided the power in Sunday’s defeat, hitting a two-run homer. The Loons’ lineup is averaging over six runs per game during their current 5-2 stretch.

According to Interstat, the Loons are substantial favorites with a 64.4% probability to win. The firm’s game simulator projects a narrow 6-5 victory for Great Lakes.

This game begins a six-game series between the clubs in Midland. The teams will meet again Wednesday through Sunday to complete the set.