West Michigan added a run in the seventh to make it 6-2, but the Dragons responded with two in the bottom of the inning. Trammell reached on his third hit and Jose Siri was safe on an error. Taylor Sparks followed with a two-run single to make it 6-4.
But West Michigan continued to apply the pressure. The Whitecaps scored again in the eighth to extend their lead to 7-4. The Dragons scored in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI double by Mitch Trees to cut the deficit to two runs, but Whitecaps reliever John Schreiber entered and retired the final five batters for the save.
Dragons starting pitcher Wennington Romero (3-10) was charged with the loss. He allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings, surrendering 10 hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Dayton finished with nine hits. Trammell was 3 for 5 with his 10th home run. He also stole his 33rd base.
The Dragons, now a dismal 15-36 in the second half, battle West Michigan again tonight, sending Scott Moss (11-6, 3.63) to the mound.
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