MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Griffin, Hernandez, Dragons pound Beloit, 8-2

Published on August 2, 2006 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Beloit, WI - Mike Griffin hit a pair of home runs and Habelito Hernandez became just the fourth Dayton Dragons (21-18, 56-53) player in franchise history with five hits in a game as the Dragons thumped the Beloit Snappers (22-18, 57-51) in the second game of the four game series by an 8-2 count. With the win, the Dragons improve to a season high three games over .500 and stay just one half game behind the Fort Wayne Wizards for a playoff spot in the second half of the Midwest League season.

Griffin pounded two Eddie Morlan (LP, 3-5) pitches over the outfield fence to help Dayton chase the Snapper starter before he could finish the fourth inning. With Mike DeJesus on base with a lead off single to open the game, Griffin followed with a two run shot over the wall in left field to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead. With one down in the third inning, Griffin was at it again. Morlan was again the victim as Griffin took him out to center field for a solo shot to put the Dragons out front 3-0. Later in the third, B.J. Szymanski made it 5-0 with a two out two run shot to right off Morlan. The right hander would not make it out of the fourth inning as Dayton loaded the bases with two down before the Snappers went to the pen.

Rafael Gonzalez (WP, 1-2) benefited from the early power surge as he blanked Beloit over 5.0 innings for his most effective start of the 2006 season. Gonzo allowed just one hit, an infield single, struck out three and walked two before departing to start the sixth.

The Dragons got back in the act off Danny Vais (ND) in the sixth plating another pair of runs to up the lead to 7-0. Griffin picked up a two out double and Adam Rosales followed with an infield single. Hernandez bounced what looked like an inning ending force out at second base as he hit a slow chopper to Snapper shortstop William Luque. Second baseman Juan Portes failed to cover second base and Hernandez beat the Luque throw to first base. When the ball got away from first baseman Griffin scooted home to increase the lead to 6-0. Szymanski picked up his third driven in on the night when his RBI single off new pitcher Yohan Pino (ND) made it 7-0.

Dayton and Beloit traded runs in the seventh inning, as the Snappers finally got on the board. In the top half of the frame, the Dragons would add their final tally of the night, once again denting the dish with two down in the inning. Gerardo Cabrera dumped a two out single into right field and would come home on the first triple of the season from DeJesus. DeJesus picked up his fourth RBI of the series on a gap shot to right center field. Beloit scored an unearned run off Derrik Lutz (ND) on a fielder's choice, a pass ball and a throwing error by third baseman Eric Eymann.

Rainer Feliz (ND) pitched the final two innings for the Dragons and allowed the second Snappers run of the night. Feliz walked the first hitter he faced and then surrendered a pair of singles. The second, with one out by Eric Lis closed out the scoring at 8-2.

Hernandez became just the fourth Dragon in franchise history to pick up a five hit game. Austin Kearns in 2000, Kevin Howard in 2003 and Chris Dickerson in 2004, were the other three Dragons to pick up five hits in a game.

The Dragons continue the four game series in Beloit, Wisconsin at Pohlman Field against the Beloit Snappers on Thursday night. 1410 ESPN Radio WING AM will carry all the action beginning with the Dragons Pre Game Show at 7:30 PM, the first pitch of the game will follow at 8:00 PM. RHP Russell Haltiwanger (0-3, 4.29 ERA) will make the start for Dayton, while Beloit will counter with former Dragon RHP Zach Ward (7-0, 2.29 ERA). All Dragons games in 2006 can also be heard live on the internet at www.daytondragons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 2, 2006


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