MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com-DAYTON, OH – The Great Lakes Loons began their third season of baseball Thursday much the same way they began their first two – with a win. They now hope their remaining 139 games turn out better than in years past.

The Loons pounded out 17 hits, including three home runs, en route to a 14-3 blowout victory. With the win, the Loons are now 3-0 all-time in season openers.

Catcher Tony Delmonico blasted two home runs in the game, including one in his first at-bat of the season, and added a triple. His 11 total bases is a new single-game individual record, besting Josh Bell’s previous high of 10 (July 17, 2007 vs. Quad Cities). It was the eighth multi-home run game in franchise history. The Loons’ 17 hits is better than any single game total last year.

JonMichael Redding started opening night for the Loons and allowed just three hits, surrendering one run to earn the victory.

Every Loons player who batted recorded a hit, except second baseman Jaime Pedroza. Right fielder Kyle Russell hit a three-run home run and scored thrice in the game. Left fielder Alfredo Silverio recorded three hits, all singles. Designated hitter Austin Gallagher added two hits and two RBIs, and third baseman Anthony Hatch recorded two hits.

One blemish on the night, Loons pitchers unleashed five wild pitches, and each team scored two runs each on wild pitches.

The Loons continue their three-game series Friday night at 7pm. Right-hander Bobby Blevins will start for the Loons against righty Josh Ravin. The series concludes Saturday. All Loons games are carried live on ESPN 100.9-FM.

The Loons begin their first homestand Monday at Dow Diamond beginning at 6:05pm against the West Michigan Whitecaps. The game features a post-game fireworks show, powered by Dow Corning, and a magnet schedule giveaway, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

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