For the third straight game, heavy rain impacted the Bowling Green Hot Rods in their series against the Savannah Sand Gnats.

Unlike the first two games, however, the Hot Rods fell victim to the weather Sunday, when mid-game rain forced the early completion of Bowling Green’s 3-1 loss in Savannah, Ga.

The five-inning defeat marks the first time the Hot Rods have turned in a game shortened by rain this season. It also snaps Bowling Green’s three-game winning streak, leaving them two games behind Asheville in the South Atlantic League’s second-half Southern Division standings.

The Hot Rods (20-15, 54-51) had chances, starting with a three-hit second inning when they left runners at first and second.

Savannah (19-17, 54-52) took the lead on three straight base hits against Hot Rods hurler Joe Cruz (L, 4-6) in the last of the third. First baseman Jose Jimenez and Luis Alen, who were a combined 9-85 (.106) entering the game, stroked a single and double, respectively, to begin the frame.

They both scored when Cruz surrendered a double to leadoff hitter Raul Reyes to make it 2-0. Cruz retired the next two batters and was nearly out of the inning when Jordan Abruzzo hit a soft line drive to first that was dropped by John Mollicone, allowing Reyes to score the third run from second base.

Cruz ultimately went 42/3 innings before leaving in the fifth. He allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits. He struck out four and walked one, giving him 80 strikeouts against just 19 walks on the season. Jamie Bagley relieved Cruz in the fifth, retiring the only batter he faced before the rains came.

Bowling Green got its only run in the top of the fourth, when Jake Jefferies reached on a bloop double to left field, his 13th of the season. He went to third on a fly ball to left and then scored on a groundout from Mollicone – who recorded a career-best 22nd RBI of the season.

Still, the Hot Rods have taken two of three against the Gnats and will go for the series victory tonight. LHP Frank De Los Santos (4-6, 3.58) gets the start for Bowling Green against Savannah RHP Kyle Allen (7-6, 3.98).

It will be De Los Santos’ third start against the Gnats this season. The lefty has complied a 1-1 record and a 2.25 ERA in two previous outings against Savannah.

First pitch is at 6 p.m. CDT.

The Hot Rods return home Saturday to open an eight-game homestand. First up is a four-game set against the Greenville Drive, beginning at 7:05 p.m. Saturday.