MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Dragons Win Third Straight, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

June 12, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio-The Dayton Dragons came from behind to score three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and defeat the Bowling Green Hot Rods 3-1 on Thursday night before a crowd of 8,127 at Fifth Third Field. The win gave the Dragons a sweep of the three-game series and kept their playoff hopes alive.

With three games to play in the "first half" season, the Dragons trail West Michigan by three games in the wildcard race. The Dragons will need a sweep of their remaining three-game series with last place Lake County coupled with a sweep by first place South Bend over West Michigan. The Dragons would win the tie-breaker based on higher winning percentage.

The Dragons trailed 1-0 going to the bottom of the eighth inning. Jon Matthews led off the frame with a double to left field to immediately get the tying run into scoring position. Avain Rachal got a bunt down, and Hot Rods first baseman Alexander Simon mishandled it for an error as Matthews went to third. Joe Hudson then grounded into a fielder's choice as Matthews scored to tie the game at 1-1. Rachal was out at second with Hudson safe at first. Carlton Daal followed with a high bouncer over the head of Bowling Green third baseman Pat Blair for a double as Hudson went to third, and Hudson scored on Jamodrick McGruder's sacrifice fly to deep center to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead. Daal advanced to third on the play, and then scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1.

Dragons reliever Layne Somsen pitched a perfect ninth inning for his second save, striking out two. Joel Bender (3-0) earned the win with a scoreless top of the eighth.

Bowling Green starting pitcher Jake Faria was dominant for the second straight start against the Dragons, but just as they did last Friday, the Dragons rallied against the Hot Rods bullpen as soon as Faria left the game. Faria went seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and one walk with nine strikeouts.

Dragons starting pitcher Luke Moran, making his Midwest League debut, went the first four innings and did not allow a run. He gave up three hits and three walks while striking out three.

The Dragons finished with just five hits by five different players. The eighth inning doubles by Matthews and Daal were the only extra base hits.

The Dragons (35-30) guaranteed themselves a winning record in the first half and can finish no worse than third in the eight-team Eastern Division.

The Dragons host Lake County on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. Ismael Guillon (4-0, 2.79) will start for Dayton against Lake County's Dice Kime (0-9, 6.10).

Friday's game will be televised on WHIO Digital Channel 7.2 (Time Warner Cable channels 23 and 372.). All Dragons games can be heard on WONE Radio (980 AM) and via the internet at wone.com and through the Dragons Mobile App.

Notes: The Dragons activated outfielder Jeff Gelalich from the disabled list prior to Thursday's game and placed infielder Sammy Diaz on the disabled list with a sprained ankle.

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Midwest League Stories from June 12, 2014


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