Three throwing errors and other defensive sloppiness by Dayton fielders helped the Peoria Chiefs complete a three-game sweep of the Dragons with a 7-1 win at Dozer Park on Saturday.

Lack of clutch hitting didn’t help Dayton, either. Peoria pitchers scattered six hits and three walks, allowing only one unearned run. Chiefs starting pitcher Junior Fernandez got the win, improving to 3-2 after throwing six strong innings. He lowered his season ERA to 2.25 in 32 innings (five starts).

Peoria Chiefs RHP Junior Fernandez earned the win by giving up only one unearned run in six strong innings Saturday.

Eliezer Alvarez led the Peoria offense with a 2-for-3 performance that included an RBI triple and a bases-loaded walk.

Peoria Chiefs 2B Eliezer Alvarez drove in two runs Saturday.

Edmundo Sosa also had two hits and a walk for the Chiefs.

Dragons starting pitcher Tanner Rainey dropped to 0-4 after allowing two runs on two hits and four walks (including two bases-loaded ones) in three innings. He was activated off the disabled list earlier in the day.

Fresh off the DL, Dayton Dragons RHP Tanner Rainey was charged with his fourth loss of the season Saturday.

Outfielder Narciso Crook also was activated off the DL before Saturday’s game. He went 1-for-3 with a walk, committed a throwing error, and was doubled off second base.

Prior to the start of the game, former major-league infielder Dick “Ducky” Schofield threw out a ceremonial first pitch. The Springfield, Ill., native is the father of Dragons manager Dick Schofield, who also is a former big-league infielder.

Dayton Dragons manager Dick Schofield (left) heads off the field with his father Ducky after the latter threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

*All photos by Craig Wieczorkiewicz/The Midwest League Traveler