Dragon Tales: Dragon of the Week July 17-23

It has been an exciting week for the Dayton Dragons.  Saturday, July 23 marked the formal celebration of the Dragons consecutive sellout streak.  As part of the festivities, co-owners Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Archie Griffin, and Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber thanked the crowd for the consistent support over the past 12 years.  The fans ate this up but were in for a special surprise.  Dropped off by helicopter fresh from Saturday nights scintillating 11-2 victory over the Braves; Dragons alumni Drew Stubbs, Chris Heisey, and Logan Ondrusek joined in on the party offering their heartfelt thanks to the crowd.

Just this event alone would have made for a good week for the franchise but they played some baseball also.  And the Dragons came to play this week.  Before we talk about the individual games or determine our Dragon of the Week for July 17-23, let’s consider a few of the statistics the Dragons roster compiled.

First off, the Dragons scored 58 runs while allowing just 22 to cross the plate in 6 games.  They shut out the opposition twice during the week and three times scored in double figures.  Offensively, they managed an amazing team OPS of .962 and a batting average of .364, FOR THE WEEK.  They also managed 11 stolen bases, 11 doubles, 3 triples, and 6 home runs.  On the defensive side things were not quite as successful committing 7 errors over the week.  The starting pitching was average at best.  None of the 6 starters recorded a quality start and only one even finished 6 innings.  Relievers were outstanding though.  In 13 relief appearances only 3 were unsuccessful for a stellar 77% success rate.  5 Pitchers recorded two successful appearances.  It was a very good week.

Nominations this week for Dragon of the Week will focus around the first four batters in the Dragons lineup.  Each of these four men eclipsed a .400 batting average.  Ted Williams would be proud.  Starting from the top of the batting order we will again start with Billy Hamilton.  Every week I seem to start with Billy and this week is no exception.  Hamilton went 10-23 with 12 runs scored and 4 runs batted in.  he stole 5 bases bringing his season total to 73.  What makes this week even more special are the 2 triples and his second home run of the season.  Unfortunately a little bad always comes with the good and Billy was caught stealing twice and committed two errors.

Next up is 2-hole hitter Ronald Torreyes.  He led the Dragons in batting average, hitting at a .483 clip (14/29) with 11 runs scored and 4 RBIs.  He had 3 stolen bases and 2 doubles.  He also committed an error and was caught stealing as well.

The third batter in the lineup, first baseman Dominic D’Anna went 10-24 with 7 runs and 7 RBIs.  Add in a home run and a caught stealing and D’Anna had a good week as well.

Finally we come to Donald Lutz.  In a week where the Dragons accomplished something no other professional sports franchise Lutz accomplished something no other Dragon has had the good fortune to complete.  Mr. Lutz used his first four at bats on July 21^st to hit for the cycle.  For the week Lutz went 11-23 with 5 runs and 6 RBIs.  He hit 3 doubles, a triple and a home run.  Although he committed an error, I think my readers will agree that the first cycle ever completed by a Dragons player, is worthy of being named this week’s Dragon of the Week!

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