Dragons are playoff bound for the first time since 2017, beat Loons 1-0 in series opener

MIDLAND, Michigan (WDTN) – The Dragons are heading to the playoffs!

Dayton pitchers Ryan Cardona, Brody Jessee, and Simon Miller combine on a 3-hit shutout as the Dragons clinch a spot in the MWL Playoffs with a 1-0 win over the Great Lakes Loons.

They will host game one of the first best-of-three postseason series at Day Air Ballpark against the East Division first-half winners, the Lake County Captains.

With the win, the Dragons qualified for the post-season as the East Division Second Half champions, earning their first playoff appearance since 2017.

There are five regular season games remaining for the Dragons, all in Midland, Michigan against the Loons, before the Dragons begin the playoffs at home on September 10.

Game Summary :

The only run of the game came in the sixth inning.  Dayton’s Jay Allen II walked to start the inning, and advanced to second on an errant throw on a fielder’s choice play as Ethan O’Donnell reached first.  With one out, Allen and O’Donnell pulled off a double steal, putting runners at second and third.  Cam Collier then hit a bouncer to the first baseman, who threw home, but Allen raced in with a head-first slide and touched home plate just before the tag by the catcher.

Dayton starting pitcher Ryan Cardona (9-5) struggled with uncharacteristic control problems, walking a season-high five batters and hitting another in five innings, but he allowed just two hits and kept the Loons from scoring.

Brody Jessee replaced Cardona in the sixth and worked three shutout innings, allowing just one hit with one walk and four strikeouts in an outstanding middle relief performance.

Simon Miller, who has been dominant in a closer role for the Dragons since coming up from Daytona, entered the game to pitch the ninth inning.  Miller struck out the side in order to close out the win and send the Dragons to the playoffs.

The Dragons only hit of the game was a bunt single by Allen in the first inning.  Neither team had an extra base hit in the game.

The Dragons will host game one of the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday, September 10 at 7:05 pm against the Lake County Captains.  For ticket information, go to daytondragons.com/tickets or call (937) 228-2287.

Up Next :  The Dragons (39-22, 73-54) do not play on Tuesday.  They will resume the series at Great Lakes (31-28, 65-60) on Wednesday at 7:05 pm.  Graham Osman (8-5, 3.45) will start for Dayton.

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