July 23, 2008 | LISLE, ILChances for a third straight win over the first half champion Springfield Sliders looked grim when the Dupage Dragons trailed 6-1 heading into the bottom of the 5th. However, timely hitting and solid relief pitching forced extra innings, allowing the Dragons to push across the game-winning run in bottom of the 11th for a 7-6 victory.
Justin Behm sent a towering two-out fly ball over the head of center fielder Ryan Ashe to plate the winning tally. Dave Reynolds and Mark Noth struck big blows in the seventh and eighth, ripping a two-run home run and an RBI double respectively to send the game to extra frames. Andrew Estes pitched five innings of scoreless relief to pick up the victory, while Tyler Choate, originally the Sliders' designated hitter, took the loss.
Reynolds and Justin Wilson had three hits apiece for the victors, while Chris Gacom paced Springfield with his own trio of hits.
The Dragons will begin a two game road trip when they visit the Quincy Gems on Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:05pm and then head to Danville to take on the Dans at 7:05pm. All games can be heard on the Dupage Dragons website.
Individual, group and birthday party packages are available by calling the Dragons’ ticket office at 630-241-2255 or by purchasing them online at www.dupagedragons.com.
