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Dragons Lose 3-2, Remain Two and One-Half Games out of First Place
August 18, 2023 - Midwest League (MWL)
Dayton Dragons News Release
Fort Wayne, Ind.-Three Fort Wayne pitchers combined to allow just four hits as the TinCaps defeated the Dayton Dragons 3-2 on Friday night. Fort Wayne has won three straight in the series after the Dragons took the series opener on Tuesday.
Despite the loss, the Dragons remained two and one-half games behind first place West Michigan, who lost to South Bend on Friday. There are 20 games to play in the second half season.
Fort Wayne did all of their scoring with two outs in the fourth inning. After Dayton starting pitcher Jose Acuña had retired the first 11 batters without a ball leaving the infield, Fort Wayne got back-to-back doubles to tie the game, followed by a two-run home run by Graham Pauley to give them a 3-1 lead. Dayton had scored in the top of the fourth, keyed by a double by Tyler Callihan followed by a sacrifice fly by Justice Thompson.
The Dragons trailed 3-1 in the fifth when they loaded the bases with no outs on a pair of walks and a Fort Wayne error. But Fort Wayne pitcher Austin Krob struck out both Sal Stewart and Cade Hunter, then walked Ruben Ibarra to force in a run to make it 3-2. Callihan then popped out second to end the threat.
The Dragons had one last chance in the sixth after an error and a single by Carlos Jorge. Edwin Arroyo came to the plate with runners at second and third with two outs, but he tapped out to the pitcher to end the threat, and the Dragons did not have another base runner over the remaining three innings.
Acuña (7-3) was charged with the loss. He worked five innings, allowing four hits and three runs with no walks and seven strikeouts. Reliever Owen Holt tossed two scoreless innings, and Jayvien Sandridge followed with a perfect inning of relief.
Callihan's double was the only extra base hit for the Dragons.
Up Next: The Dragons (24-22, 57-55) play at Fort Wayne (26-20, 58-54) on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. in the fifth game of the six-game series. Chase Petty (0-1, 2.25) is scheduled to start for Dayton.
The next home game at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District is Tuesday, August 22 when the Dragons host the Lansing Lugnuts at 7:05 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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