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Dayton Dragons

Valaika's Four RBIs Lead Dayton to Victory

May 23, 2007 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Cedar Rapids, IA - The Dayton Dragons came into Wednesday's game with a four game losing streak and without scoring a run in their first two games against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. The Dragons broke the scoreless streak in the first inning, then broke the losing streak later using back-to-back home runs from Chris Valaika and Juan Francisco to post the 6-5 victory.

Dayton ended their 19-inning scoreless inning streak by jumping on Kernels starter Jeremy Haynes (ND) for two runs in the top of the first. After Justin Turner reached on an error, Valaika and Chris Heisey each picked up RBI doubles. With the double, Heisey extended his hitting streak to nine games, just two games shy of the team high for the 2007 season.

The Dragons still found themselves trailing 5-2 entering the seventh inning, and hadn't had a hit since the second until Drew Stubbs singled with two outs in the 7 th. Turner followed with a walk, and then Valaika hit a three-run home run to tie the game at 5-5. Juan Francisco followed that with a solo home run, putting the Dragons up 6-5. The back-to-back homers marked the third time in 2007 the Dragons have accomplished that feat.

Dragons' starter Jordan Smith (ND) struggled through 4.2 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits with one strikeout and one walk. It was the shortest outing for Smith since he lasted just 2.2 innings on April 21st against the Burlington Bees. Contributing to the rough night for Smith was a solo home run by Tyler Johnson in the fourth inning, his third home run in just five games for the Kernels.

The bullpen helped out by shutting out the Kernels for the final 5.1 innings. Misael DeJesus (WP, 3-1) did not allow a hit over 2.1 innings, and Jose Rojas (SV, 7) tossed the final three scoreless innings to earn his first save since May 11th.

Dayton and Cedar Rapids wrap up the four game series with a game Thursday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 PM with RHP Anthony Gressick (2-1, 5.95 ERA) making his second start for the Dragons. The Kernels will counter with RHP Sean O'Sullivan (2-3, 3.00 ERA). 1410 ESPN Radio WING AM will carry the game live beginning with the Dragons Pre Game Show at 7:00 PM . All Dragons games are also carried live on the internet via All In Broadcasting at www.daytondragons.com.

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