Rodriguez's Slam, Turner's Hot Bat Lead Dragons
May 18, 2007 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release
Clinton, IA - After being shutout 1-0 Thursday night, the Dragons were looking to wake up the bats Friday against the Clinton Lumber Kings. The bats woke up in a big way as Justin Turner continued his hot hitting and Eddy Rodriguez hit a grand slam to lead the Dragons to the 8-2 victory over Clinton, evening the series at one game apiece.
With the game tied at 2-2 in the top of the sixth innings, the Dragons got to Clinton starter Zach Phillips (LP, 4-2) in a big way. Singles by Juan Francisco, Gerardo Cabrera, and Jason Louwsma loaded the bases with one out. With one swing of the bat, Eddy Rodriguez unloaded the bases, depositing the ball over the left field wall for a grand slam. The blast was the first home run of the season by Rodriguez, and the second grand slam by the Dragons this season.
Early on, it looked as if it might be a repeat from Thursday as the Dragons struggled to get runners home. That all changed when Justin Turner picked up a two-out, two-RBI single in the top of the fifth to even the game at two apiece. Turner also gave the Dragons an insurance run in the top of the seventh with a solo home run to left off reliever John Slusarz (ND).
John Whittleman, who provided the only run of the ballgame with a home run Thursday night, got the Lumber Kings on the board in the bottom of the first with a solo home run off Dragons starter Jordan Smith (WP, 3-3). For Whittleman, it was his ninth home run of the season, tying him for the Midwest League lead in that category. It was Whittleman again providing the damage in the bottom of the third. After Craig Gentry singled and stole second, Whittleman singled against a drawn in infield to continue his punishment of the Dragons. Dragons pitching finally figured out Whittleman, getting him out in his next two plate appearances to limit the damage.
Smith was happy for the run support, as he was the tough luck Dragons pitcher in the early going. Coming into Friday's ball game, Smith had just a 2.17 ERA, but only two wins to show for it. Even though the ERA went up a little bit to 2.28 , Smith will gladly take the win to even his record at 3-3 on the season. Lee Tabor (SV, 1) did not allow a hit over the final three innings to get his first save of the season.
The four game set between the Dragons and the Lumber Kings continues Saturday with a 7:00 PM first pitch. Dayton gives the ball to LHP Jamie Arneson (0-1, 2.45 ERA) while Clinton will send LHP Broc Coffman (2-0, 3.45 ERA) to the hill. 1410 ESPN Radio WING AM will have all the action beginning with the Dragons Magazine at 6 PM, the Dragons Pre Game Show at 6:30 PM, and the first pitch at 7 PM . The game can also be heard live on the internet via All In Broadcasting at www.daytondragons.com.
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