Alton (IL)  The Alton River Dragons opened their two-game series with the Springfield Lucky Horsehoes, falling 11-5 Wednesday at Lloyd Hopkins Field.

Despite the loss, R.J. LaRocco matched a franchise single-game record with four hits.  He had a double and three singles.  It’s the eighth time in team history a player has had four-hits in a game with it last being done by Bryer Arview on June 20th.

Third year River Dragon Bryce Zupan clubbed his first homer of the season in the second inning.

Unfortunately, the River Dragons couldn’t hold back Springfield.  The Lucky Horseshoes built a 2-0 lead through the top of the second and eventually were in front 5-1.  Alton stormed back in the bottom of the sixth and pulled to within 5-4.

But Springfield answered back and the River Dragons didn’t get any closer.