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MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Ward Picks up First Pro Win as Dayton Streaks to 7-4 Victory

April 24, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, OH - A trio of Dayton Dragons (8-10) each drove home a pair of runs, as the Dragons used a four run fourth inning to highlight a 7-4 come from behind win, to knock off the Kane County Cougars (11-7) and take three of four in the series in front of 8,043 at Fifth Third Field. Zach Ward (WP, 1-0) picked up his first win as a professional as the Dragons extended their winning streak to a season high three games.

Habelito Hernandez picked up his first of two RBI on the night with a first inning two out single that scored Eric Eymann, as the Dragons got out to a 1-0 advantage over Jeff Gray (LP, 1-2) and the Cougars. Later in the third, with Dayton leading 2-1 following a Jay Bruce RBI ground out, Hernandez was at it again with another two out RBI base hit scoring Mike Griffin, staking Dayton to a 3-1 lead.

Ward ran into his most difficult inning in the top half of the fourth as the Cougars scored three to take a brief 4-3 lead. Justin Sellers knocked home a pair of runs with a double to right center that tied the game at 3-3. With two down and Sellers at third, Jeff Baisley's grounder to third was misplayed by Angel Colon scoring Sellers. The error by the newest Dragon, gave Kane County the advantage at 4-3.

The lead for the Gray and the Cougars was brief as the Dragons would rally for four runs on four hits in the bottom half of the frame. Colon picked up a one out walk and following singles by Chris Denove and Josh Holden, the Dragons loaded up the bases with one out. Griffin put Dayton on top to stay with a two RBI single to center, which gave the Miami Valley's team a 5-4 lead. KC went to the bullpen and brought in lefty Brad Davis, the MWL leader in earned run average, to face Eymann. Davis' first offering to Eymann was ripped into the left field corner for a two RBI double that extended the Dayton advantage to 7-4.

The Dragons starter saved his best inning for his final one of the night. Ward struck out the side in the fifth, to complete his night with six hits, six K's, one walk and two hit batsman. The right hander allowed four runs (three earned) and departed with the lead.

The Dayton bullpen combined to shut out the league's top hitting team, entering the four game series, over the final four innings. Russell Halitwanger (ND) surrendered one hit and a pair of walks over 2.0 innings, Zac Stott (ND) pitched a scoreless eighth and Wayne Lundgren (SV, 1) allowed an infield single in the ninth but stranded the runner at first to earn the save.

The Dragons continue the home stand opening up a four game series with the Peoria Chiefs beginning Tuesday night at Fifth Third Field. 1410 ESPN Radio WING AM will carry the game live beginning with the pre game show at 6:30 PM. Tuesday's first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM. All Dragons games in 2006 can also be heard live on the internet at www.daytondragons.com RHP Johnny Cueto (1-1, 4.20 ERA) get the start for the Dragons while LHP Jesus Yepez (1-0, 2.12) gets the start in the series opener for Peoria.

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Midwest League Stories from April 24, 2006


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