MWL1 Bowling Green Hot Rods

Jensen, Dietrich Burn Dragons 8-6

Published on August 1, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Bowling Green Hot Rods News Release


Bowling Green, KY - George Jensen threw five hitless innings and Derek Dietrich became the Hot Rods single-season home run king to help the Hot Rods beat the Dayton Dragons 8-6 on Monday night at Bowling Green Ballpark. The victory completes the sweep of the Dragons as the Hot Rods get ready to continue a seven-game home stand on Tuesday night.

Jensen was the story of the first half of the game, throwing the first five innings without giving up a hit. More impressively he allowed just two base runners on the night - one on his own error in the second, the next on a lead-off walk in the third. He retired the final eight hitters he faced before leaving the game, striking out one on the night.

When he left, the Hot Rods had spotted him a 5-0 lead, thanks in part to Dietrich. They scored all five runs in the bottom of the fourth with one out against Josh Smith (L; 9-6). With two aboard, Keith Castillo started a hit parade driving home the first run for a 1-0 lead. Robi Estrada made it 2-0 with a single followed by Cody Rogers' RBI base hit to right to plate a third run. That's when Dietrich stepped up and laced a two-run single to center field to pad the lead at 5-0.

It stayed that way through the next few innings as Omar Bencomo came on for Jensen in the sixth, hurling three shutout frames, but giving up the first hit to the Dragons in the top of the sixth.

Still leading 5-0, Dietrich struck again in the eighth. Leading off the frame, he became the Hot Rods single-season home run record holder with his 15th of the season, a laser that cleared the right-center field fence for a 6-0 lead. After a single from Phil Wunderlich, Julio Cedeno followed Dietrich's lead with a two-run homer - his second in as many nights - to push the advantage to 8-0.

From there, it looked like the Hot Rods would cruise. Bencomo carried the ball into the ninth having retired eight straight men. In the ninth, looking for his first save of the season, Bencomo ran into trouble. Five of the first six men reached, highlighted by a three-run double from David Vidal. He was replaced after Donald Lutz tripled to cut the lead to 8-4. Steve Hiscock entered the game and surrendered a two-run homer on his first pitch before getting out the jam and closing down the 8-6 triumph.

Jensen's effort earned him his tenth win, tied for the team lead with Victor Mateo and good for second-most in the Midwest League. Dietrich's final line read 2-4 with his 15th home run, which broke Mike Sheridan's 2009 record of 14. Dietrich finished the night with three RBI, leaving him one shy of 60 for the season.

The Hot Rods now begin the second leg of their home stand with the start of a four-game series against the Fort Wayne TinCaps (San Diego Padres) on an all-you-can-eat Tuesday night. Any fan can upgrade any ticket to an all-you-can-eat buffet for just $8. For tickets, visit www.bghotrods.com.

RHP Jason McEachern (0-1, 10.80) takes the ball in the opener against Fort Wayne LHP Mark Hardy (8-7, 2.90). You can follow the broadcast with Tom Gauthier and Josh Weinstock beginning at 6:10 PM on 1340 AM WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 1, 2011


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