July 18, 2008 | DANVILLE, IL The DuPage Dragons lost for the fourth time in a row when they fell to the Danville Dans Thursday night by a score of 6-2. The loss drops the Dragons to 16-16 on the year, while the Dans improved to 14-17.
The Dragons started the scoring in the top of the third inning. With one out, shortstop Kevin Tokarski (Illinois State) singled and advanced all the way to third on an error by the rightfielder. After a walk to first baseman Dave Reynolds (Northern Illinois) put runners on the corners, catcher Matt Behren (Northern Illinois) would ground out to short, scoring Tokarski and giving the Dragons a 1-0 lead.
The lead was short-lived as the Dans struck back with three tallies in the bottom of the inning. A one-out walk to Zach Walters brought up Drew Haynes, who was able to reach on an error that put runners on first and second with one out. Chris Lewellyn followed up with a double that scored both runners while putting him in scoring position. After a fly out, Lewellyn came around to score on a RBI single by Andrew Pollack, and the Dans owned a 3-1 lead after three.
Danville would add to the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Three consecutive singles by Haynes, Lewellyn, and Dan Kaczrowski loaded the bases to start the inning. Pollack hit a sacrifice fly to center that scored Haynes and allowed Lewellyn to advance to third. Kaczrowski was able to steal second, and then a single by David Worthington allowed both runners to score, giving the Dans a commanding 6-1 lead.
The Dragons were able to score another run on a two-out rally in the seventh. Consecutive singles by designated hitter Scott Sexton (Oakland) and centerfielder Justin Wilson (Oakland) started the rally. Starter Matt Bywater gave way to reliever Chris Licon, but Tokarski greeted him with an RBI single that scored Sexton and brought the score to 6-2. Licon was able to escape the inning on a ground out, and gave up only a single in getting through the eighth. Tyler Hess would come in to pitch in the ninth and retired the Dragons without giving up a run to end the game.
Tom Zelasko (Northern Illinois) took the loss after pitching five innings and giving up six runs, four of which were earned. Tom Filip (Baylor) pitched the final three innings without giving up a hit. He struck out three while walking only one.
The Dragons finally return home on Saturday, July 19th, when they take on the Springfield Sliders in a doubleheader at the Lisle Sports Complex at Benedictine University. The first game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm, with the second game starting immediately after the conclusion of game one. Tickets start at $6 with children five and under admitted free. Group rates are available by calling the Dragons' ticket office at 630-241-2255.
