FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Fort Wayne TinCaps returned home after eight days away from Parkview Field, but suffered their fourth straight loss, a 9-3 defeat at the hands of the Dayton Dragons on Monday night. The TinCaps attacked early and led 1-0 on a second-inning solo home run from Kyle Gaedele, but the Dragons scored three runs in the fifth to take the lead. Dayton tacked on one run in the seventh, two in the eighth and three in the ninth en route to the series-opening victory.

Fort Wayne (3-8) starter Frank Garces worked his shortest outing of the season, tossing four and one third innings, allowing three runs, two earned, and issuing six walks. Although Garces walked four batters in the third inning, he did not allow a run in that frame. However in the fifth, Garces was chased for the night.

The 22-year-old allowed a leadoff double to Dayton's Kyle Waldrop, and then walked Junior Arias. Dragons catcher Nick O'Shea laid down a sacrifice bunt, which was pounced on by Fort Wayne first baseman Zach Kometani. His throw to third base, attempting to retire the lead runner, sailed wide of third baseman Duanel Jones, and two runs came into score on the play as O'Shea ended up at third base. Jerfy Sierra was next to the plate, and O'Shea scored on a balk during Sierra's at bat. Garces (0-1) was replaced later in the frame by John Barbato.

Dayton (5-6) added a single run in the seventh, two runs in the eighth, and three in the ninth on a bases-loaded triple by Waldrop. Dragons starter Justice French (2-1) worked six innings for the win. He allowed two earned runs on four hits, while walking three and striking out two.

The TinCaps got multi-hit efforts from Gaedele, Travis Whitmore and Matt Colantonio, who all finished with two hits each.

On Tuesday, Fort Wayne will try to snap a four-game skid as Adys Portillo (1-0, 0.84) goes to the mound against Dayton's Radhames Quezada (0-0, 0.90). First pitch at Parkview Field is scheduled for 7:05 PM.