MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Kernels Make it Close but Dragons Hang On

Published on July 18, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, OH - Each time the Dayton Dragons scored on Wednesday night, the Cedar Rapids Kernels had an answer. On two different occasions the Dragons led by two runs and once by three. With each Dayton lead, the Kernels fought back but could never get the lead. The Dragons held on for a 5-4 and picked up its eight win in its last nine home games in front of 8,729 at Fifth Third Field.

After not scoring in the first inning, the Dragons scored at least one run in each of the next four frames against Cedar Rapids starter David Herndon (LP, 8-6). With one out in the second, Chris Heisey was hit by a pitch, and went to third when Logan Parker's ground ball went under shortstop PJ Phillips' glove for an error. Jason Louwsma picked up an RBI single to right, and Eddy Rodriguez followed with an RBI ground out for the 2-0 Dragons lead.

Cedar Rapids cut the lead in half with a run in the top of third. Stantrel Smith singled against Daniel Guerrero (WP, 2-2) to begin the inning, and went to second on an errant pickoff attempt. After a walk and a fielder's choice, Smith was at third for Phillips. Phillips atoned for his error, picking up an RBI single to cut the lead down to 2-1.

The Dragons put single tallies on the board in each of the third, fourth, and fifth innings. In the third, Justin Turner hit a solo home run to put the Dragons back up two. It was the second home run in as many nights for Turner. In the fourth, Rodriguez drove in Parker again to put the Dragons up 4-2. In the fifth, Drew Stubbs made it 5-2 in favor of the Miami's Valley Team with his eighth home run of the season. Stubbs blast went over the 402 sign in straight away center field for the sixth home run of the series for Dayton.

The Kernels kept it close against Guerrero, adding runs in the fourth and sixth innings against the right hander. Smith picked up the RBI in the fourth, and Julio Perez added the RBI in the sixth chasing Guerrero from the game. Marcos Mateo (ND) allowed a run in the eighth inning and the Kernels got to within one run at 5-4.

Things got very interesting for the Dragons in the ninth inning as Cedar Rapids had runners on the corners with none down off Dayton closer Ramon Geronimo (SV, 8) who came on to get the final out of the eighth inning. Phillips led off the inning reaching on a throwing error by Dayton catcher Rodriguez. Matt Sweeney followed with a single and there were two on and none down. Mark Trumbo lifted a fly ball to left field, that Kernels Manager Ever Magallanes felt was deep enough to score Phillips from third. It wasn't. Heisey launched a perfect throw from third and Rodriguez took the shot from Phillips and held on to the baseball for a double play. Geronimo fanned Brian Walker to end the ball game with the tying at first.

The Dragons and Kernels continue the four game series with game three Thursday night at Fifth Third Field beginning at 7:00 PM. The Dragons will have RHP Jordan Smith (7-6, 3.35 ERA) on the mound, while Cedar Rapids counters with RHP Trevor Bell (4-2, 4.45 ERA). 1410 ESPN Radio WING AM will carry the game live beginning with the Dragons Pre Game Show at 6:30 PM. All Dragons games are also streamed live on the internet via All In Broadcasting at www.daytondragons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 18, 2007


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