MWL Dayton Dragons

Faltine, Callihan Lead Dragons to 8-6 Win

July 1, 2023 - Midwest League (MWL)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - Trey Faltine belted a two-run home run and added a double while Tyler Callihan had three hits and scored two runs to lead the Dayton Dragons to an 8-6 victory over the West Michigan Whitecaps on Saturday night.

The Dragons built a 6-2 lead, saw West Michigan battle back to tie the game in the seventh inning, before the Dragons scored two runs in the ninth to jump back in front. Dragons closer Braxton Roxby pitched a scoreless bottom of the ninth for his fourth save.

The Dragons trailed 2-1 before they enjoyed a big inning in the fourth, scoring four runs in the inning. Austin Callahan tied the game with a run-scoring single, Justice Thompson added an RBI double for the lead, and Faltine followed with his second home run of the year to make it 5-2. The Dragons added another run in the sixth on Tyler Callihan's two-out single to bring in Faltine, who had doubled, to make it 6-2.

West Michigan scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth and then tied the game with a run in the seventh to run the score to 6-6.

In the top of the ninth, Tyler Callihan opened the inning with a single to left for the Dragons. Edwin Arroyo then singled to left-center, allowing Callihan to round second and head to third, and when the center fielder misplayed the hit, Callihan scored to make it 7-6 as Arroyo went to second. Mat Nelson's fly out advanced Arroyo to third, and Austin Hendrick's sacrifice fly brought him in to make it 8-6 and close out the scoring.

Dragons starting pitcher Julian Aguiar allowed two runs in the first inning before settling in. He worked five innings, allowing five hits and two runs with no walks and six strikeouts. Brooks Crawford (4-1) earned the win, tossing three innings and allowing one run while striking out five.

The Dragons had 11 hits. Faltine was 2 for 4 with a homer and double. Tyler Callihan was 3 for 5 with two runs scored and an RBI. Arroyo, Austin Callahan, and Justice Thompson each had two hits.

The Dragons remain in first place in the Midwest League's East Division. They lead second place Fort Wayne by one and one-half games. West Michigan is two games back.

Up Next: The Dragons (6-2, 39-35) close out the six-game series at West Michigan (4-4, 36-37) in Grand Rapids on Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. Jose Acuña (5-0, 2.40) is the scheduled starter for Dayton.

The Dragons next home game at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District is Tuesday, July 4 at 7:05 p.m. against the Great Lakes Loons. 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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Midwest League Stories from July 1, 2023


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