Game Notes -- 7/31

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Timber Rattlers beat the Dragons 6-1. Kyle Parker allowed one run on four hits with seven strikeouts over six innings for the win. Ron Garth knocked in three runs for the Rattlers.

OUT OF THE BLOCKS: The Rattlers scored two first inning runs to take a lead they would never relinquish. Calvin Beamon singled to start the game, Kuo Hui Lo followed with a walk. Reed Eastley singled in Beamon. Carlos Peguero’s sacrifice fly capped the scoring in the frame.

END OF THE STREAK: The Rattlers ended a ten-game road losing streak with the win last night.

END OF THE STREAK (PT II): Parker ended a personal five game losing streak with the victory last night.

TOP TEN LIST: Parker lowered his ERA from 3.01 to 2.91 after his performance last night. Parker is currently eighth in the Midwest League in the ERA race.

SCORELESS STREAK: Rattler reliever Mike Wagner pitched two scoreless innings last night. He has not allowed a run in 7-2/3 innings over his last five innings.

ANOTHER STREAK: Since June 12, Eastley has reached base in 36 consecutive games. Eastley extended the streak with an RBI single in the top of the first inning last night. This is the longest streak of its kind in the Midwest League this season.

SWITCHING UP ON THE DEFENSE: Last night, Eastley made his second start at third base this season. Also last night, Leury Bonilla made his second start at shortstop in 2007.

2007 vs. THE PAST: Lo stole two bases last night to give him 23 stolen bases on the season. In 2006, Michael Saunders was the Timber Rattler leader in stolen bases with 22. In 2005, Brent Johnson and Josh Womack also led the Rattlers with 22 stolen bases. Womack led the Rattlers in steals with 24 in 2004.

ROSTER MOVES: Carlos Peguero has been placed on the disabled list. Pitcher Ricky Orta has been transferred back to the Timber Rattler roster from the Everett AquaSox roster.

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. They won the first half Eastern Division title with a record of 44-26 to qualify for the playoffs. The Dragons are 18-18 in the second half. In their most recent series, the Dragons split a four game series at Peoria. Dayton is managed by Donnie Scott.

THE SEASON SERIES: Dayton swept a four game series from the Rattlers at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium April 30-May 3. The Dragons won 3-1, 10-4, 10-1, and 5-2.

LOOK OUT FOR: Dayton outfielder Juan Francisco went 5-for-17 with two homers and nine RBI against the Rattlers in that series in the first half. Francisco is fourth in the Midwest League in homers (15) and tied for fifth in the league in RBI (63).

COMPARE & CONTRAST: The Dragons have a team batting average of .263 (T-2nd in the MWL) while the Rattlers have a team average of .241 (13th). Dayton has scored 510 runs (2nd) compared to 389 (14th) scored by Wisconsin. Dayton hitters have slugged 76 homers (2nd), while the Rattlers have 45 (14th). The Dragons are Dayton’s pitching staff has an ERA of 3.33 (4th). Wisconsin’s hurlers have an ERA of 4.10 (10th).

A DIFFERENT WORLD: The Dragons lead the all-time series with the Timber Rattlers 31-28. But, the Rattlers are 19-9 at Fifth Third Field. That includes a split here in 2006.

PROSPECTING: BASEBALL AMERICA has four members of the active Dayton roster on their list of top 30 Red prospects. Outfielder Drew Stubbs is the highest rated player at #5. Pitcher Jordan Smith is ranked at number 23. Third baseman Juan Francisco is number 26 on the list. Rafael Gonzalez, who just came off the disabled list today, is rated number 28.

OPPOSING STARTER: Rafael Gonzalez was a fourth round pick of the Reds in the 2004 draft out of George Washington High School in Bronx, New York. Gonzalez made his last start for the Dragons on July 21. He allowed six runs on six hits with five walks and a strikeout over 4-2/3 innings against the Kane County Cougars. Gonzalez got a no decision in the game. He faced the Timber Rattlers in the 2006 season. On August 19 at Fifth Third Field, Gonzalez allowed one run on two hits and five walks over five innings and three strikeouts for a win.