FORT WAYNE, IN - Despite a strong start from pitcher
Carlos Guarate, the Fort Wayne TinCaps fell to the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds affiliate), 4-1, in their series opener on Tuesday night at Parkview Field.
In the seventh, the TinCaps (30-37) entered the run column with a solo home run from their right fielder, Agustin Ruiz. The blast was Ruiz's team-leading 11th of the season, and his first since June 26 in South Bend.
Dayton tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the eighth on a wild pitch and an RBI groundout. Despite a perfect ninth inning from TinCaps left-hander
Ramon Perez, the 'Caps couldn't rally in the late innings.
The loss marks the end of a two-game winning streak put together over the weekend in Grand Rapids against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Dayton, with the win, still holds the top spot in High-A Central's East Division.
Next Game: Wednesday, July 21 vs. Dayton (7:05 p.m.)