NEXT for dragons
What: Lake County Captains at Dayton Dragons
When: 7 p.m.
Radio: WONE-AM (980)
TV: WHIO 7.2, Time Warner Cable Channels 23 and 372
DAYTON — Ryan Wright grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind., the home of the Fort Wayne Tin Caps, who were formerly the Wizards.
Wright spent many nights in the summer watching games in the Midwest League, the same league that honored him as the only Dayton Dragons selection to the All-Star Game this week. The game will be played at Geneva, Ill., home of the Kane County Cougars, on June 19.
“It was always kind of a dream that I would hopefully roll through the league I watched when I was growing up,” Wright said. “I’m doing that now and living my dream.”
The Dayton second baseman earned his spot with a .319 batting average. He has one home run this year and 27 RBIs. He has been one of the hottest hitters in the league over the last two weeks. In the last 13 games, he is batting .460 with eight doubles and a triple. Over the span he’s raised his average 46 points.
“He deserves it,” Dayton manager Delino DeShields said. “He’s had a solid first half of the season. The future is bright for him if he continues to improve and do the things he’s done here.”
Wright said his key to success will be the same key when it comes to advancing up the minor-league ladder in the Cincinnati Reds’ organization — consistency.
“Early on I was doing all right but I made a few adjustments, like you have to do,” Wright said. “From that point on I’ve stayed with it pretty well.”
Dragons win 3rd in row
The Dragons scored four times in the fourth and defeated Lake County 5-2 on Wednesday for their third win in a row.
Dayton starter Tanner Robles had a rough first inning. He gave up two runs, thanks to a double, two walks, two wild pitches and a hit batter.
Robles rebounded to allow one hit until he was relieved to start the seventh.
“It’s just rhythm,” he said. “Being able to hit the strike zone and I’ve been working on my curve ball and have been starting to get it over for strikes.”
The Dragons came back in the fourth thanks to doubles from Joe Terry and Sean Buckley.
Lake County loaded the bases in the top of the ninth but a double play ended the game.
Bray to pitch here
Reds reliever Bill Bray is scheduled to make two rehab appearances in Dayton. Bray will pitch an inning on Saturday and an inning on Monday. He has been on the disabled list with a strained groin.
Bray has appeared in five games for the Reds this season since going on the disabled list April 19. He has been dealing with the injury since spring training.
Dragons on TV
The games today, Friday and Saturday will be broadcast on WHIO 7.2 and Time Warner 23 and 372.
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