MWL Dayton Dragons

Dragons Suffer Second Loss of 2024 as Kernels Even Series in Iowa

Published on April 10, 2024 under Midwest League (MWL)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Cedar Rapids, Iowa-Cedar Rapids third baseman Rubel Cespedes hit a home run and drove in seven runs as the Kernels defeated the Dayton Dragons 11-2 on Wednesday. The two teams have split the first two games of the six-game series.

The Kernels broke open a one-run game with five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, including a three-run home run from Cespedes. The Dragons had pulled to within a run at 3-2 in the top of the seventh on Cade Hunter's run-scoring double and had the tying run at third base, but the remainder of the night went in favor of the Kernels as they jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the bottom of the seventh and then added three more runs in the eighth to close out the scoring.

The Dragons finished the night with eight hits. Outfielder Hector Rodriguez had another big night, collecting three hits and driving in one run to raise his batting average to .500 (8 for 16). Sal Stewart added two hits for the Dragons. Hunter's double was the only extra base hit. The Dragons had scored at least six runs in three straight games (all wins) and had hit two home runs in each of those games entering Wednesday's contest.

Dayton starting pitcher Johnathan Harmon was charged with the loss. He worked four and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on six hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

Notes: Outfielder Jay Allen II was placed on the seven-day injured list on Wednesday with knee inflammation. In four games, Allen was batting .333 and currently leads the Midwest League in home runs with two.

Up Next: The Dragons (3-2) and Kernels (1-3) will meet in the third game of the six-game series in Cedar Rapids on Thursday night at 7:35 pm (EDT). Kevin Abel will start for the Dragons against Cedar Rapids' Andrew Morris. The series continues through Sunday.

The Dragons next home game at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District is Tuesday, April 16 against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. 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.

*Approved Dragons marks, logos, photos, and videos can be found here: https://daytondragonscs.box.com/s/vawqwub6gite6ajcinn14j6k6eb73tj9

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play 66 home games at beautiful Day Air Ballpark, in the heart of the Water Street District. Contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or go to daytondragons.com. For more information, please visit the following links:

2024 Schedule: https://www.milb.com/dayton/team/schedules

Season Tickets: https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/seasontickets

Group and Hospitality Options: https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/groupoutings

Single Game Tickets: https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/single-game-tickets

The Dragons sellout streak is active and stands at 1,510 consecutive games. The streak is a testament to the Dayton area community. Support the Dayton Dragons and become a Dragons season ticket holder for first access to stadium improvements and new seating in 2025.

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Midwest League Stories from April 10, 2024


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