MWL1 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Dragons Top Rattlers

Published on August 2, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers News Release


DAYTON, OH -- Keltavious Jones made his Midwest League debut a good one for the Dayton Dragons. His pinch-hit RBI double in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Dragons a 2-1 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Thursday night at Fifth Third Field. The game-ending play was a bit scary as Rattler outfielder Leury Bonilla smashed into the wall trying to make a game saving catch.

Rattler starter Ricky Orta got out of an early jam. The Dragons (65-44 overall, 21-18 second half) had runners at first and second with no outs after a single and a walk in the second inning. Orta struck out the next two batters, but walked Tony Esquer to load the bases. Orta struck out Zack Cozart to end the end.

Ron Garth gave the Rattlers (34-72, 12-26) a lead with a solo homer in the top of the fourth. Garth drilled a 3-1 pitch to left for his first home run since August 17, 2006.

Orta retired the final ten batters he faced before turning the game over to the Rattler bullpen. He struck out seven over five innings and allowed one hit.

But, the Dragons went right to work against Mike Wagner in the sixth. Drew Stubbs tripled off the wall in left. One out later, Juan Francisco singled over the drawn-in infield to drive in the tying run.

Wisconsin had a chance to break the tie in the top of the eighth. Gavin Dickey drew a walk and stole second with no outs. A sacrifice bunt by Bonilla moved Dickey to third with one out. But, Dayton reliever Ramon Geronimo struck out Kuo Hui Lo and Reed Eastley to end the threat.

Steve Richard walked back-to-back hitters with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Then, Jones stepped up as a pinch hitter. He worked the count to 3-2 before lining a shot to right field. Bonilla raced back to make an attempt at a catch, but crashed full speed into the wall. The ball rolled free and winning run crossed the plate as Bonilla lay motionless on the warning track.

His Rattler teammates surrounded him as he remained down for several moments and was being attended to by medical staff. After nearly ten minutes, Bonilla got up and walked off under his own power.

Wisconsin begins a four game series with the Fort Wayne Wizards on Friday night. Nolan Gallagher (0-1, 7.36) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers tomorrow. Drew Miller (4-5, 3.82) is set to start for the Wizards. Game time is 6:00pm CDT.

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Midwest League Stories from August 2, 2007


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