MWL Dayton Dragons

James Free's Walk-Off Hit Moves Dragons Back into First Place Tie

August 18, 2021 - Midwest League (MWL)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio - James Free's hit to the warning track with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth inning broke a 2-2 tie and gave the Dragons a walk-off 3-2 win over the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark on Wednesday night. A crowd of 6,063 saw the Dragons earn their third walk-off win of the season.

The victory moved the Dragons back into a tie with Lake County for first place in the East Division of the High-A Central League. The two clubs have split the first two games of the six-game series.

With the score 2-2, Dayton reliever Stevie Branche pitched out of a tough jam in the top of the ninth inning. Branche walked the first two batters of the inning, but he retired the next three including two on strikeouts to keep the game tied.

In the bottom of the ninth, Eric Yang drew a lead-off walk to start the winning rally. Jonathan Willems ran for Yang. After Jacob Hurtubise flied out to left for the first out, Michael Siani singled to center to move Willems to third. The next batter, Ivan Johnson hit a tapper to the side of the mound. Lake County pitcher Tim Herrin fielded the ball and had a play at third, but the ball slipped out of his hand as he attempted to throw and everyone was safe on the play, loading the bases with one out. With the outfield playing shallow, Free lifted a drive over the head of the right fielder, landing on the warning track, to drive in Willems with the winning run.

The Dragons jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Victor Ruiz blasted a lead-off home run to left field, his second homer of the year, to start the scoring. Quin Cotton followed with a double to right field, then advanced to third on a ground out by Jose Tello and scored on Jacob Hurtubise's sacrifice fly.

Lake County scored single runs in the fourth and seventh innings to tie the game at 2-2, setting up the Dragons winning rally in the ninth.

Dragons starting pitcher Carson Spiers continued his personal streak of outstanding starts, working five innings and allowing just one run. He gave up three hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

Evan Kravetz replaced Spiers and worked a perfect sixth inning before surrendering a two-out single in the seventh to bring in the tying run from second base. Kravetz worked a scoreless eighth inning, and Branche (1-0) pitched a scoreless ninth in his only inning to earn the win.

The Dragons finished the night with 10 hits after collecting just two in the series opener Tuesday. Siani had two hits and a stolen base. Juan Martinez also had two hits including a double. Jose Tello also had two hits for Dayton. Yang had one hit and was on base three times including the walk in the ninth that started the winning rally.

Notes: Spiers has posted a 2.10 ERA over his last six starts covering 30 innings...The Dragons are 8-5 over their last 13 games.

The Race: The Dragons gained ground on their top two challengers in the East Division as they moved back into a tie for first place with Lake County. Great Lakes lost on Wednesday to remain one game out of first. Cedar Rapids won their game, remaining two games up on the Dragons in the race for the final playoff slot.

Up Next: The Dragons (49-43) host Lake County (49-43) in the third game of the series on Thursday at Day Air Ballpark at 7:05 p.m. Lyon Richardson (2-4, 5.14) will start for Dayton against Lake County's Xzavion Curry (3-1, 3.19).

On the Air: All Dragons games are broadcast on radio on 980 WONE AM Fox Sports. 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.

For Dragons 2021 ticket information, call (937) 228-2287 or go to daytondragons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 18, 2021


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