Dragons Rally Late to Win Season Opener

Dayton's top prospect Alfredo Duno sparks comeback in 8-7 victory over Lansing

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with overlapping planes of bright red, blue, and yellow representing the players and action on the field.The Dragons' dramatic comeback victory highlights the team's offensive firepower and resilience as they look to return to the playoffs.Today in Dayton

The Dayton Dragons overcame an early deficit to defeat the Lansing Lugnuts 8-7 in their 2026 season opener on Thursday. Trailing 6-2 in the 7th inning, the Dragons rallied behind a bases-clearing double from top prospect Alfredo Duno and a go-ahead two-run homer from Esmith Pineda in the 8th to secure the comeback win in Julio Morillo's managerial debut.

Why it matters

The Dragons' thrilling season-opening victory showcases the team's resilience and offensive firepower, led by their highly touted minor league talent. After missing the playoffs last season, this win provides an encouraging start as Dayton looks to return to the postseason in 2026.

The details

Dayton jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning, but Lansing responded with six unanswered runs to take a 6-2 advantage in the 7th. That's when the Dragons' bats came alive, as Duno's 3-RBI double brought them within one run. Pineda then delivered the go-ahead 2-run homer in the 8th to put Dayton back on top. Cody Adcock recorded the save in the 9th to seal the victory.

  • The game was the 2026 season opener for both teams, played on Thursday, April 3.
  • Dayton scored two runs in the 1st inning to take an early lead.
  • Lansing responded with six straight runs to go up 6-2 in the 7th inning.
  • Alfredo Duno's 3-RBI double in the 7th inning brought Dayton within one run.
  • Esmith Pineda hit a go-ahead 2-run homer in the 8th inning to put the Dragons up 8-6.

The players

Alfredo Duno

Dayton's top prospect, who delivered a key 3-RBI double in the 7th inning to spark the comeback.

Esmith Pineda

Dayton outfielder who hit the go-ahead 2-run homer in the 8th inning to give the Dragons the lead.

Cody Adcock

Dayton's closer who recorded the save in the 9th inning to preserve the victory.

Julio Morillo

Dayton's new manager, making his debut with the team.

Ryan McCrystal

Dayton batter who drove in a run in the 1st inning.

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What they’re saying

“This team showed a lot of fight and resilience to come back like that. It's a great way to start the season and build some momentum.”

— Julio Morillo, Dayton Dragons Manager

“I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit and drive in some runs. It felt good to come through in a big spot like that.”

— Alfredo Duno, Dayton Dragons Top Prospect

What’s next

The series continues with games on Friday and Saturday in Lansing, before the Dragons' home opener on Tuesday night.

The takeaway

The Dragons' thrilling comeback victory in their season opener showcases the team's offensive firepower and resilience, led by their top minor league talent. This win provides an encouraging start as Dayton looks to return to the playoffs in 2026 after missing out last season.