MWL1 Bowling Green Hot Rods

Hot Rods Rout Dragons, Sweep Opening Homestand

Published on April 8, 2016 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release


Bowling Green, KY - Wrapping up a season-opening two-game homestand at Bowling Green Ballpark, the Bowling Green Hot Rods capped off a sweep of the Dayton Dragons by a score of 9-4 on Friday night. Following an evening where they scored seven unanswered runs to finish off opening night, the Hot Rods got off to a quick start against Dayton starter Jacob Constante (L, 0-1).

Fueled by five Constante walks (two with the bases loaded), the Hot Rods jumped out of a 6-0 lead after two innings. In addition to the bases loaded free passes, Bowling Green got a two-run double from catcher Brett Sullivan, a RBI groundout by outfielder Angel Perez (would have been a triple but Perez missed first base on appeal) and a run-scoring groundout by third basemen Kevin Padlo.

Two innings later, Bowling Green got a RBI single by second basemen Peter Maris to increase their lead to seven. Maris, who went 3-for-4 with a homer on opening night, finished off the evening with two more hits, another RBI in the eighth inning and two runs scored.

The lead was plenty for starter Cameron Varga (W, 1-0), as he gave up three runs in 5.2 innings pitched. The former Rays 2nd round draft pick in 2014 shutout the Dragons through his first five frames and struck out four batters to notch the victory. Following Varga's exit with two out in the sixth, righties Reece Karlaus and Diego Castillo limited the Dragons to one run through the final 3.1 innings of the game to secure the victory for the Hot Rods.

Bowling Green got their two other insurance runs on a RBI single by Perez and a run-scoring single by outfielder Zacrey Law. Offensively, the Hot Rods cranked out 12 hits, with four players (Sullivan, Perez, Maris, Law) had multi-hit games, lead by Sullivan with three base knocks. Shortstop Jacob Cronenworth reached base four times, three via a bases on balls.

As a team, the Hot Rods have now won their first two games of the season for the third time in four seasons. The 16 combined runs in the first two games ties a franchise high set in 2011.

The Hot Rods will start off a short two-game in Dayton as part of a six-game roadtrip starting on Saturday. Bowling Green will send LHP Michael Velazquez to the bump while Dayton will counter with RHP Jose Lopez. First pitch is set for 4:07 p.m. EST. You can also listen in to Play-by-Play Broadcaster Alex Cohen for all the games on www.bghotrods.com via the MLB TuneIn Radio Application or on 1340 The Ticket in Southcentral Kentucky.

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Midwest League Stories from April 8, 2016


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