The Bowling Green Hot Rods dropped the opener of a three-game series with a 7-2 loss at Lake County (Ohio) on Tuesday to fall to one game over .500.

Lake County (30-22) scored two in the first to take the lead and pulled away late, scoring five times off the BG bullpen.

Brett Sullivan had two hits and an RBI for Bowling Green (26-25), finishing the month with 23 RBIs.

Kevin Padlo added an RBI double.

Taylor Hawkins allowed two runs in four innings and took the loss, dropping to 1-4 on the season.

The series continues at 5:35 p.m. CDT Wednesday with right-hander Roel Ramirez (2-2, 6.12 ERA) facing Lake County lefty Thomas Pannone (3-4, 3.40).