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MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Denis Phipps' Walk-Off Homer Pushes Streak to Four

July 15, 2007 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, OH - Through the first 8.0 innings of baseball Sunday night at Fifth Third Field, it looked as if the three game winning streak for the Dayton Dragons was going to come to an end as the Clinton LumberKings pitching was simply dominating. All that changed in the bottom of the ninth when Denis Phipps blasted a three-run walk off home run to lead the Dayton Dragons to a 3-2 come-from-behind victory in front of 8,785 fans.

After allowing just four hits through 8.0 innings, Clinton appeared in control with a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. With Chris Dennis (LP, 0-1) on the hill for his second inning of work, Justin Turner reached on an error to begin the inning. After Chris Heisey drew a walk to put the tying runs on base, Phipps stepped up to the plate and delivered the decisive blow, stretching the win streak to four. It was the fourth walk off home run of the season for the Dragons, and Phipps has driven in 18 runs in his last 10 games.

Alexander Smit (ND) made his Dayton Dragons and Cincinnati Reds organization debut in the starting role after being claimed off waivers by Cincinnati from the Minnesota Twins on July 12th. Smit was impressive in his shortened debut, shutting out the Lumber Kings for 3.0 innings, without allowing a hit. The lefthander from the Netherlands struck out four and walked just one on the night.

Clinton put the first run on the board without the benefit of a base hit in the top of the fourth. Anthony Gressick (ND) walked both Marcus Lemon and Jose Vallejo to begin the inning, but then got a ground ball double play from John Whittleman. With a runner at third and two outs, Chad Tracy struck out swinging on a ball that was down in the dirt and went all the way back to the screen. Tracy reached first base and Lemon came home to score on the wild pitch to make it a 1-0 LumberKings advantage.

Gressick went the rest of his three innings without further damage, and then turned it over to Marcos Mateo (ND). Mateo's first pitch was driven off the batter's eye in centerfield by Mauro Gomez. The ninth homer of the season for Gomez pushed the LumberKings lead to 2-0.

After the Dragons managed two hits in the first inning, and four in the first three innings against Clinton starter Zach Phillips (ND), the left hander settled down to quiet the Dragons' bats. Phillips at one point set down eleven in a row, before walking Denis Phipps with one out in the seventh. Phillips would strand Phipps in the seventh, and then turn it over to the bullpen. Phillips went 7.0 innings, allowing just four hits, striking out six and walking one.

The Dragons and LumberKings wrap up the four game series Monday night at Fifth Third Field beginning at 7:00 PM. The Dragons will turn to LHP Jamie Arneson (0-2, 4.76 ERA) who rejoins the team after a stint with the GCL Reds, while Clinton counters with LHP Kasey Kiker (3-3, 3.06). 1410 ESPN Radio WING AM will carry the game live beginning with the Dragons Pre Game Show at 6:30 PM. All Dragons games are also streamed live on the internet via All In Broadcasting at www.daytondragons.com.

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