Cubs Have Big 6th Inning, Defeat Dragons in Series Opener on Tuesday
MWL Dayton Dragons

Cubs Have Big 6th Inning, Defeat Dragons in Series Opener on Tuesday

July 22, 2025 - Midwest League (MWL)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio - South Bend's Rafael Morel delivered a three-run double in the sixth inning that gave his team a 4-2 lead and the Cubs went on to defeat the Dayton Dragons 9-2 on Tuesday night. The game was the opener to a six-game series between the two teams that will continue through Sunday afternoon.

A crowd of 7,375 was in attendance at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

Game Summary:

The Dragons got off to a good start, scoring two runs in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. Victor Acosta singled on the first pitch of the inning and Carlos Jorge hit the second pitch of the frame for a single to move Acosta to third. The Dragons pulled off a double steal to bring in the first run as Acosta came in from third after Jorge stole second. With one out, Anthony Stephan singled to right field to drive in Jorge and make it 2-0.

Dayton starting pitcher Jose Montero was exceptional, tossing five scoreless innings. Montero allowed just three hits, all singles, with one walk and four strikeouts. He left the game with a 2-0 lead through five innings.

But it was a tough night for the Dayton bullpen. South Bend scored four runs in the sixth against Dayton reliever Will Cannon, and they added three more in the seventh against Dylan Simmons to build a 7-2 lead. The Cubs tacked on two more in the eighth on a home run by Brian Kalmer against Dayton's Brody Jessee to make it 9-2 and close out the scoring.

The Dragons had six hits over the first four innings but did not collect another hit over the final five innings of the game. Ariel Almonte went 2 for 4 and was the only Dayton player with more than one hit. The Dragons did not have an extra base hit in the game.

Up Next: The Dragons (7-16, 28-60) host South Bend (12-13, 35-56) in the second game of a six-game series at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District on Wednesday at 7:05 pm. Nestor Lorant (0-7, 6.71) will start for Dayton. For ticket information, go to daytondragons.com/tickets.

On the Air: All Dragons home and road games are broadcast on radio on FOX Sports 980 AM WONE. Games can be heard on smart phones, iPads, and other mobile devices via the free Dragons Mobile App, or on a computer at wone.com. Games are also available on HD Radio on 104.7 WTUI HD 2.

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