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MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Peoria bullpen too much for Dragons in 4-1 loss

July 25, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Peoria, IL- The Dayton Dragons (12-19, 44-57) got on the board first once again but could not maintain the early advantage as the Peoria Chiefs (12-19, 47-54) picked up a 4-1 win in the first game of a four game series at O'Brien Field in Peoria on Monday night. The lost for the Dragons was the team's fourth consecutive on the road in 2005 and its sixth in a row at the home of the Chiefs.

The top half of the first inning featured the first ever triple play in the history of O'Brien Field, which opened in 2002. Phil Gentry and Drew Anderson opened the game with back-to-back singles off Peoria starter Mike Billek (W, 1-0). B.J. Szymanski ripped a shot to right center that was hauled in with a diving catch by Jesse Schmidt. Schmidt threw to second to double off Gentry and then Joe Simonkaitis threw to first to triple off Anderson.

The Dragons got to Billek in the top half of the third inning with a two out rally. Jorge Mejia picked up a one out walk and with two down, stole second base to move into scoring position for Gentry. Gentry picked up his second hit of the night with a knock to right center that scored Mejia for a 1-0 lead.

Peoria tied the game at 1-1 with an RBI groundout in the bottom of the fourth off Dragons starter Juan Frias (L, 0-2). The Chiefs chased the Dayton starter with two runs in the fifth as four consecutive batters reached base. With two out, Aaron Smith and Anthony Granato picked up back-to-back infield singles. Eric Patterson and Ryan Harvey continued the consecutive hits with back-to-back RBI singles that scored Smith and Granato for a 3-1 lead.

Dayton's offense went into a slump after the run producing second inning. Billek held the Dragons with out a hit for the next 3.0 innings, departing after the fifth. The right hander allowed five hits and one run in his Midwest League debut. Billek struck out four and walk only one before giving way to Walk Nolen (ND) to begin the sixth inning.

The Chiefs added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh inning off reliever Zac Stott (ND). Once again, the Dragons pen had trouble picking up the third out of the inning. Smith picked a lead off single and was moved up to second on a sac bunt. Patterson struck out keeping Smith at second with two out. Harvey came through once again with an RBI single to left. His 73rd run batted in gave Peoria a 4-1 lead.

The Peoria bullpen was solid in the sixth, seven and eighth inning, with 2.0 scoreless innings from Nolen and 1.0 from Tim Layden (ND). Dayton made it interesting in the ninth inning off Chiefs closer Drew Dickson (SV, 3). B.J. Szymanski led off the inning and reached base on a Peoria error by Simonkaitis. The Dragons first hit of the night since a two out infield single in the top of the third, a double off the wall in centerfield by Tonys Gutierrez, moved Szymanski to third. Chris Kroski was called upon to pinch hit with two down as the potential tying run at the plate. After battling with Dickson, Kroski eventually would strikeout and the Chiefs grabbed the win in the opening game of the four game series.

The Dragons and Chiefs continue the four game series with the second game of the four game set at O'Brien Field Tuesday night. 1410 ESPN Radio WING AM carries the game live, beginning with the pre game show at 7:30 PM, Tuesday's first pitch is scheduled for 8:00 PM. RHP Jon George gets the start for the Dragons, while Peoria will counter with RHP Matt Weber. Nomar Garciaparra is slated to make a rehab appearance for the Chiefs in the game.

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Midwest League Stories from July 25, 2005


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