Carl Chester hit a two-run homer in the second inning, leading the Bowling Green Hot Rods to a 5-1 win Wednesday over the Great Lakes Loons in Midland, Mich.

Chester’s home run scored Moises Gomez to give the Hot Rods a 2-1 lead.

The Hot Rods added a run in the sixth and two in the ninth. In the sixth, Gomez hit a sacrifice fly to score Zach Rutherford. Jim Haley had an RBI double and then scored on a single by Eleardo Cabrera in the ninth.

Bowling Green right-hander Austin Franklin (3-2) picked up a quality start and the win after allowing one run on six hits over seven innings.

Great Lakes starter Jesus Vargas (4-2) took the loss in the Midwest League game after allowing three runs and six hits over six innings. Phoenix Sanders pitched two scoreless innings for his second save of the season.

Bowling Green (23-15) will aim for the series split against Great Lakes on Thursday. Alex Valverde (2-1, 4.45 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Hot Rods, while the Loons are expected to counter with right-hander Max Gamboa (0-3, 7.84). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CST in Midland.