The Bowling Green Hot Rods inched closer to a playoff spot with a 7-2 win over Lake County (Ohio) on Monday at Bowling Green Ballpark.

Bowling Green (62-55 overall, 31-19 second half) moved to 16-5 in the last 21 home games, trimming the magic number to clinch a playoff spot to 13 with 20 games remaining. The Hot Rods play 10 of those games at home, including the next seven.

“We are playing really good, especially here at home,” BG manager Reinaldo Ruiz said. “The momentum is good right now, so hopefully we can continue this momentum tomorrow.”

The Hot Rods built a 5-0 lead through five innings. BG scored two runs in the second inning, including an RBI single from Adrian Rondon – and added three runs in the fifth with an RBI single from Josh Lowe, an RBI triple from Rene Pinto and an RBI double by Jesus Sanchez.

Lake County (49-70, 22-28) got a two-run double from Emmanuel Tapia in the sixth, but the Hot Rods took advantage of an error to get both runs back in the seventh.

Bowling Green finished 5-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

“That was huge because they have a lot of power,” Ruiz said. “I think they lead the league in home runs. They can turn a game around real quick. It was good that we could add those two runs.”

IN A GROOVE

Willy Ortiz earned the win, allowing one run and three hits with six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. It was the ninth time in 13 starts that Ortiz has given up one earned run or fewer. He has allowed six earned runs total over his last 43 1/3 innings spanning seven starts.

“Willy has been pitching really well,” Ruiz said. “Every time he is on the mound he gives us a quality start. It’s going to be a big help if he keeps pitching that way.”

ADDING A SPARK

Shortstop Luis Rengifo continued to make an impact since joining the Hot Rods via a trade on Aug. 7 with another two-hit game on Monday. It was the fifth multi-hit game in seven appearances with the Hot Rods, with Rengifo 10 for 27 in that span.

“He’s been swinging the bat really well,” Ruiz said. “He has fit in really well. We like him. He’s a good addition to the organization and the team.”

ROSTER MOVE

Right-hander pitcher Angel Yepez was placed on the disabled list prior to Monday’s game, with left-hander Sam Young recalled from Hudson Valley (N.Y.) to fill his spot on the roster.

UP NEXT

The series continues at 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday, with right-hander Spencer Moran (1-1, 3.16) facing Lake County lefty Brady Aiken (5-12, 4.82).