MWL Dayton Dragons

Loons Edge Dragons 7-6 to Snap Dayton's 6-Game Winning Streak

Published on July 28, 2023 under Midwest League (MWL)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Midland, Mich.-The Great Lakes Loons scored five runs in the fourth inning to overcome a three-run deficit and then held on to defeat the Dayton Dragons 7-6 on Friday night. The game, which featured some of the most unusual moments of the season, snapped the Dragons six-game winning streak.

Dragons starting pitcher Hunter Parks threw one pitch in the game, hitting Great Lakes lead-off batter Taylor Young in the elbow to begin the bottom of the first inning. Parks was ejected from the game by the home plate umpire, prompting a furious response from Dragons' manager Bryan LaHair, who was then ejected as well. The Dragons were forced to go to their bullpen after one pitch in the game.

Great Lakes led the Dragons 2-1 through three innings before Dayton produced a four-run top of the fourth to take the lead. Austin Callahan led off the inning with a game-tying home run to right field, his second homer in the last two nights and his seventh of the year. Jack Rogers came to the plate with two outs and runners at first and second, and Rogers belted a three-run home run to right to give the Dragons a 5-2 lead.

But Great Lakes scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 7-5 lead and held that lead going to the ninth inning. In the meantime, the Loons endured an ejection of their own when left fielder Chris Alleyne was tossed after striking out in the fifth.

The fifth inning featured a scary moment when Dragons' outfielder Jay Allen II went to the ground as he walked from the batter's box toward the dugout following a called third strike. Allen stayed on the ground for several minutes and was treated by Dragons' trainer Josh Hobson. Allen eventually got to his feet and was able to walk off the field with assistance from two teammates. He was immediately replaced in the game. No report on his condition was immediately available.

The Dragons trailed 7-5 as they came to bat in the top of the ninth inning and put together a comeback effort. The first two batters in the inning, Cade Hunter and Jack Rogers, were hit by pitches. With one out, Justice Thompson walked, and Edwin Arroyo also walked to force in a run and make it 7-6. With the bases still loaded, Austin Callahan popped out to shallow right field, and Ruben Ibarra struck out to end the game.

Dragons' reliever Dennis Boatman (0-3) was charged with the loss. He worked the fourth inning, surrendering five runs on four hits and two walks. Dragons' reliever Owen Holt had a spectacular outing, striking out all six batters he faced.

The Dragons fell to two games behind first place Fort Wayne in the Midwest League's East Division.

Up Next: The Dragons (15-13, 48-46) battle the Loons (15-13, 60-33) in the fifth game of the series at Dow Diamond in Midland on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Chase Petty (0-1, 1.74) is scheduled to start for Dayton.

The Dragons next home game at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District is Tuesday, August 1when they host the Beloit Sky Carp at 7:05 p.m. 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.

Check out the Dayton Dragons Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from July 28, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central