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Dragons unlucky in loss to TinCaps

Aggression on the basepaths leads to outs that help dash scoring chances.

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer Updated 12:17 AM Friday, July 3, 2009

After the sensational rendition of the National Anthem by the United States Air Force Band of Flight, the Dayton Dragons virtually crash-landed at Fifth Third Field.

They did it on the ground, trying to get extra bases where none became available in back-to-back innings on the way to a 3-1 loss to Fort Wayne’s TinCaps on Thursday, July 2.

In the fifth, with one run already in, just one out and Kyle Day on second and Jordan Wideman on first, the Dragons tried a double steal.

But Miguel Rojas’ low line drive was snagged by diving left fielder Daniel Robertson, who easily doubled Day at second.

“I had no chance of getting back,” Day said. “We were in the double steal, and that’s just the risk you take.”

In the next inning, Andrew Means led off with a walk and was promptly picked off as he was preparing for a hit-and-run situation.

“He was leaning the wrong way,” Dragons manager Todd Benzinger said.

For the third straight night, Fort Wayne led 3-0. This time, they protected the lead much better than the first two nights. On Tuesday, the Dragons recovered to win. On Wednesday, the Dragons tied the TinCaps, but went on to lose.

Thursday, Dave Sappelt’s bloop single to left in the fourth inning was Dayton’s first hit among only four. After the game, Sappelt was informed he was promoted to high Class A Sarasota.

Dragons tales

Catcher Dave Coddington and pitcher Josh Ravin were the WING radio Players of the Month and will sign autographs at noon today at the McDonald’s at York Commons in Vandalia ... An outfielder from the recent draft will replace Sappelt ... Outfielder Byron Wiley, who rammed into Fort Wayne catcher Adam Zornes on Wednesday (and was out by several feet), sat out Thursday’s game and may have a broken nose.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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