Dragons Hit 3 Home Runs But Fall in Series Opener to Loons, 18-6
June 28, 2022 - Midwest League (MWL)
Dayton Dragons News Release
Midland, Mich.-The Dragons Dragons hit three home runs but fell victim to three big innings on Tuesday night as they lost to the Great Lakes Loons 18-6. The game was the opener to a six-game series between the top two clubs in the East Division.
Game Recap: The Dragons trailed 5-3 going to the bottom of the sixth inning after getting back-to-back home runs from Daniel Vellojin and Elly De La Cruz in the top of the sixth. Vellojin's home run was his first with the Dragons while De La Cruz hit his team-leading 14th.
But Great Lakes scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth to pad their lead to 9-3. After Dayton's Austin Hendrick hit a two-run home run in the eighth, his fifth of the year, to make it 9-5, Great Lakes responded by scoring nine runs in the bottom of the eighth in an inning in which only one ball left the infield.
The Loons took advantage of a club record eight walks issued by Dragons pitchers in the inning including five with the bases loaded. Two of the three hits the Loons had in the inning were infield singles. Dragons pitchers threw 65 pitches in the inning.
Overall, the game featured 24 runs, 19 hits, seven home runs, 16 walks, and 26 strikeouts, but was still played in only three hours and two minutes.
The Dragons finished the night with six hits. De La Cruz was 3 for 3 with a home run, two singles, and a walk. Hendrick had a home run and three runs batted in.
Dragons starting pitcher Thomas Farr (0-4) was charged with the loss. He worked four innings and allowed four runs on six hits with one walk and six strikeouts. The Dayton bullpen combined to allow 14 runs in four innings of work.
Up Next: The Dragons battle Great Lakes on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Joe Boyle (3-1, 0.72) will start for Dayton against Kyle Hurt (4-2, 2.52).
The Dragons return to Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District on Monday, July 4 to open a six-game series with the West Michigan Whitecaps. 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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