Dragons' hitters beat up on visiting River Bandits
After the game, the Reds make a series of moves, promoting Todd Frazier to high Class A Sarasota.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
DAYTON — There was some good-natured ribbing for Todd Frazier of the Dragons on Tuesday night, May 6, at Fifth Third Field.
"Why do you want to talk to him?" one teammate asked. "He didn't hit a homer. He didn't knock in any runs."
Extras
Get latest headlines via RSS feedsAlmost everyone else on the team did in an 11-1 victory over the Quad Cities River Bandits to moved the Dragons into first place in the Class A Midwest League's East.
Every batter managed at least one hit; Frazier hit three singles, raising his batting average to .321, giving him a fine game on the night he was promoted.
After the game, the Reds promoted Frazier to high Class A Sarasota after last year's Dragons shortstop, Chris Valaika (hitting .377), was promoted from Sarasota to Class AA Chattanooga.
Frazier has played short, first and third for the Dragons. His last two games were spent in left field.
"I never thought about it, but I'm happy to be promoted," Frazier said. "I enjoyed it here, but I'm excited."
In addition to Frazier moving up, reserve infielder Brett Bartles was sent to extended spring training. Joining the Dragons today will be catcher Devin Mesoraco, the Reds' No. 1 pick in last summer's draft, and first baseman Logan Parker, who was rehabbing an injury. Parker was here last season. Both additions have played only in extended spring games so far.
Dragons manager Donnie Scott knew Frazier was a short-timer with the Dragons.
"I'm extremely happy we got to be with him as long as we did," Scott said. "It's great he got the experience here. But that's what it's all about, moving up. The kid could probably go to Class AA and do well."
He could be joined soon. Right fielder Denis Phipps cranked a two-run homer in the second for all the runs the Dragons needed, and had another hit on his way to a .455 average over his last nine games.
Shortstop Zack Cozart had two hits — one his second homer — catcher Jason Bour banged out three hits while knocking in two runs and first baseman Michael McKennon tripled twice, all to the benefit of starter Enerio Del Rosario, who lowered his ERA to 1.38.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157
or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Today's game
Who: River Bandits at Dragons
When: 7 p.m.
Radio: WING-AM (1410)
