June 13, 2008 | SPRINGFIELD, IL Friday night in Springfield saw the DuPage Dragons trying to extend their win streak to four games and take over sole possession of first place in the Central Illinois Collegiate League. The host Sliders had a different idea, and halted the Dragons win streak with a 7-3 victory. With the loss, the Dragons drop to 4-3 on the season. The Sliders improve to 5-1 and increase their lead in the league to one full game.
The Dragons jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after four consecutive hits in the second inning. Rightfielder Dave Reynolds (Northern Illinois) and first baseman Jordan Tokarz (Eastern Illinois) started the one-out rally by hitting back-to-back singles to left center. Second baseman Nick Popescu (Bradley) followed that up with a shot to left field that appeared to be a double. He was cut down at second base, but was able to pick up an RBI on the play as Reynolds came across to score. Designated hitter Scott Sexton (Oakland) then followed up with an RBI double to centerfield, and the Dragons appeared to take control early in the contest.
It was all downhill after that, as the Sliders were able to score two runs each in the third, fourth, and fifth innings to take a 6-2 lead. Dragons starter Tom Filip (Baylor) couldnʼt escape the fourth inning, leaving with one out after giving up four runs, three of them earned. He was doomed by a 2-RBI single down the leftfield line by Jimmy Swift that gave the Sliders a 4-2 lead. Reliever Andrew Estes (Oakland) came in and faired well, lasting the final 4 2/3 innings, giving up two earned runs, three total.
Springfield pitcher Bryce Shafer had a rough start, but after giving up a two-out walk to catcher Matt Behren (Northern Illinois), Shafer proceeded to retire the next fourteen Dragons he faced. The Dragons tried for another late rally like they did throughout their homestand, but after a leadoff triple by third baseman Phil Wunderlich (Louisville) and a one-out double by Reynolds, Shafer retired the next two hitters to picked up the complete game victory.
The DuPage Dragons now head to Huntingburg, IN to take on the Dubois Bombers for their next two games. Gametime is scheduled for 7:05 pm tomorrow night, June 14th. The Dragons return home Wednesday night, June 18th, when they face the Springfield Sliders at 7:05 pm at the Lisle Sports Complex at Benedictine University. Tickets start at $6 with kids five and under admitted free. Group rates are available by calling the Dragonsʼ ticket office at 630-241-2255. |
