MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Ray's Slam Lifts Snappers over Dragons

Published on May 31, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio-Lance Ray belted a pinch hit grand slam home run with two outs in the ninth inning to cap off a six-run frame as the Beloit Snappers completed an improbable 11-10 victory over the Dayton Dragons on Tuesday night. The Dragons, who established season highs in runs and hits (16), took a 10-5 lead into the ninth inning before Beloit rallied for the win.

The Dragons battled back from an early 5-2 deficit to take a commanding lead, breaking a 5-5 tie with three runs in the sixth inning and then adding two more in the seventh.

But Beloit scored twice in the top of the ninth on a two-run single by Michael Gonzales and then loaded the bases against Dragons reliever Chad Rogers. With two outs, Ray came off the bench and belted Rogers' first pitch over the right field fence for a grand slam, giving Beloit an 11-10 lead. Dayton went down in order in the bottom of the ninth.

Rogers (0-2) had allowed only six runs all season over 20 innings entering the ninth, but he surrendered six hits and a walk in the inning to take the loss.

The Dragons 16-hit attack was led by David Vidal, who went 3 for 5 with four runs batted in. Billy Hamilton went 3 for 5 and drove three runs. Drew Poulk had two hits including a home run in his first home game with the Dragons.

Dayton took the lead in the first inning when Theo Bowe doubled off the right field fence, went to third on Hamilton's bunt single, and scored on Yorman Rodriguez's single to center to make it 1-0. Poulk led off the second with a long home run to left field to make it 2-0. Poulk's home run was the first of his professional career.

Beloit battled back in the third with a big inning. Daniel Santana belted a solo home run with one out to start the scoring. Dragons starting pitcher Tanner Robles walked the next three hitters to load the bases. Michael Gonzales then drilled a three-run double to left center and Daniel Ortiz followed with a ground rule double to make it 5-2.

The Dragons started back in the bottom of the third. Dominic D'Anna singled with one out and Donald Lutz followed with another single. Vidal then drilled a double to the left field corner to drive in both D'Anna and Lutz to make it 5-4. The Dragons tied the game in the fourth when Bowe singled with one out and scored on Hamilton's double to the left field bullpen area.

Dayton jumped back in front in the sixth. Devin Lohman started the rally with a single to center and went to second on Bowe's sacrifice. Hamilton singled to right to drive in Lohman and give the Dragons a 6-5 lead. Rodriguez and Lutz both walked to load the bases, and Vidal followed with a two-run single to left to make it 8-5.

Dayton scored two more runs in the seventh to take a 10-5 lead. The first run came in on a wild pitch and Hamilton drove in the second on a sacrifice fly. Beloit had not scored since the third inning when they erupted in the ninth.

Dayton (26-26) will host Beloit again Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. Daniel Renken (2-4, 3.10) will start for Dayton. The Dragons consecutive game sell-out streak stands at 800, 14 short of the all-time sports record.

Notes: Tucker Barnhart was 2 for 5 for Dayton to extend his hitting streak to 13 straight games, the most this season by a Dayton player.

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Midwest League Stories from May 31, 2011


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