Dragons Win 10-6, Remain Tied for First Place
July 17, 2011
Click Here to see the Box Score
Dayton (R-H-E): 10-10-1
Cedar Rapids (R-H-E): 6-11-5
WP: Josh Smith (9-4)
LP: Brian Diemer (7-7)
Sv: None
HR: Dayton: None
HR: Cedar Rapids: Rolando Gomez (2nd, 2 on base in fifth inning).
Cedar Rapids, Iowa-The Dayton Dragons scored four runs in the third inning to take a 5-1 lead and went on to defeat the Cedar Rapids Kernels 10-6 on a 90 degree Sunday afternoon. The Dragons improved to 15-8 in the second half and remained in a tie for first place with Lansing in the Eastern Division of the Midwest League.
The game had some unique qualities. It was played in three hours, 47 minutes, just nine minutes short of the Dragons club record for longest nine-inning game. The Dragons scored runs in a variety of ways including two on wild pitches, two when batters were hit by pitches with the bases loaded, one on a bases loaded walk, and one on an error. The Dragons stranded 15 runners, went 3 for 20 with men in scoring position, and did not have an extra base hit, but still managed to score 10 runs.
The Dragons collected 10 hits and a season-high 11 walks. Chris Berset was 2 for 4 with two runs batted in. Dominic D'Anna was 2 for 5 with two runs scored. Theo Bowe also went 2 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI. Donald Lutz had a two-run single in the third inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 straight games. Billy Hamilton drew three walks and had an RBI single. He also stole his 69th base of the season.
Dragons starting pitcher Josh Smith (9-4) was credited with the win. He went five innings, allowing eight hits and four runs (three earned) with one walk and five strikeouts.
The Dragons opened a 6-1 lead before Cedar Rapids' Rolando Gomez belted a three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth to make it 6-4. But the Dragons rebuilt the lead, scoring one in the seventh and three in the ninth to lead 10-4. Cedar Rapids scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to close out the scoring.
The Dragons have split the first two games of the series with the Kernels. Dayton (15-8, 50-43) will wrap up the six-game road trip on Monday afternoon when they meet Cedar Rapids (11-12, 43-50) at 1:05 p.m. (EDT) (980 WONE). Stalin Gerson (3-1, 1.93) will start for Dayton against Max Russell (5-9, 3.35). A Dayton win on Monday would allow them to split the six games on the trip.
The next home game is Wednesday, July 20 when the Dragons host the Peoria Chiefs. On July 23, the Dragons and their fans will enjoy a celebration at Fifth Third Field in relation to the Dragons setting the all-time sports record for consecutive sell-outs. A commemorative poster will be given away to all fans after the game. For information on lawn tickets and group seating options, call (937) 228-2287.