Pitcher’s duel:
While the Dragons DAYTON — are teetering on the edge of mathematical elimination from the second-half playoff race in the Midwest League’s Eastern Division, they can have a big say in who gets in.
Lansing entered this series with the Dragons in the second — and last — playoff spot, but heading into Wednesday night, the Lugnuts had fallen a half-game behind Great Lakes.
And the Dragons further damaged Lansing’s chances by winning 2-1 Wednesday night at Fifth Third Field.
The Dragons scored the winning run in the eighth when Zack Shields came in from third on a checkedswing grounder by Avian Rachal with one out and the bases loaded.
Dayton has four games at Bowling Green — currently leading the race — and three at home with Lake County, which is 2½ games out of the second spot.
Dayton, which closes the season with three games at South Bend, entered Wednesday six games out of the final wild-card spot.
Rain cooled the weather prior to Wednesday’s game, but it didn’t cool either starting pitcher.
After a 1-hour, 28-minute rain delay, Dayton’s Jesus Reyes and Lansing’s Jordan Romero continued recent form with strong performances.
Neither starting pitcher was involved in the decision.
Lansing scored in the sixth on a home run, but Dayton answered in the seventh on an RBI single by Jose Duarte.
Reyes allowed three hits over six innings, including the solo home run, while striking out six and walking two.
Romero allowed two hits in six innings, striking out 10 and walking one.
Reyes entered with a 2.15 ERA. Romero entered at 2.23.
Relievers Sandy Lugo, Lucas Benenati and Manuel Aybar have been on a roll lately. They have given up a combined two runs over 34⅔ innings.
The Dragons and Lugnuts close the fourgame series at 7 tonight at Fifth Third Field.
Righty Austin Orewiler will start for the Dragons looking for his fourth win. Lansing will start lefty Angel Perdoma (3-7, 3.54).
Potent trio: On deck: