Dragons Fall to Kernels 3-0 on Friday

*Cedar Rapids 3, Dragons 0 *

Click here for the box score

Cedar Rapids (R-H-E): 3-5-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 0-4-1

Win: Aaron Rozek (6-2); Loss: Joe Boyle (3-1); Save: Bradley Hanner (1)

HR: Dayton: None; HR: Cedar Rapids: None

Cedar Rapids, Iowa—The Cedar Rapids Kernels took advantage of a costly error to score three unearned runs in the fourth inning, the only runs of the ballgame, as the Kernels defeated the Dayton Dragons 3-0 on Friday night. The two clubs have split the first four games of the six-game series.

The Dragons loss combined with a win by second place Great Lakes cut the Dragons lead to two and one-half games in the Midwest League East Division. There are six games to play in the first half season. The Dragons magic number to clinch a first half division championship remained at four. The Lake County Captains, who had been a third team in the race, lost their game on Friday and they were mathematically eliminated from first half contention.

*Game Recap: *Dragons starting pitcher Joe Boyle struck out seven batters over the first three innings but issued back-to-back walks to start the fourth with game still scoreless. Boyle got a ground ball double play from the third hitter of the inning and left the game with a man at third and two outs. Jake Gilbert replaced Boyle and issued a walk before Wander Javier hit a bouncer to shortstop that hit off the glove of Elly De La Cruz for an error that allowed the first run of the game to score. A bloop double from the next hitter brought in the second run, and a wild pitch scored the third run of the frame to make it 3-0.

The Dragons had the tying run at the plate in the sixth and seventh innings but could not come through with the big hit. They finished the night with just four hits including three from Justice Thompson. Nick Quintana’s lead-off double in the sixth was the only extra base hit. The Dragons went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position after going 6 for 13 in those situations on Thursday.

Boyle (3-1) was charged with his first loss of the year. He went three and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits and one unearned run with three walks and seven strikeouts. Myles Gayman provided strong relief for the Dragons, tossing three scoreless innings to allow the team a chance to come back. Gayman allowed just one hit and struck out three.

Up Next: The Dragons play at Cedar Rapids on Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. (EDT) in the fifth game of the series. Christian Roa (1-2, 5.21) will start for Dayton.

The Dragons return home to host the Lake County Captains on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:05 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The seven-game series will include a doubleheader on June 22 at 5:35 p.m. For ticket information, go to daytondragons.com/tickets or call (937) 228-2287.

On the Air: All Dragons home and road games are broadcast on radio on FOX Sports 980 AM WONE. Games can be heard on smart phones, iPads, and other mobile devices via the free Dragons Mobile App, or on a computer at wone.com. Games are also available on HD Radio on 104.7 WTUI HD 2.

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