Hartsock: Dragons off and running … literally

John Sansone of the Dragons and Whitecaps shortstop Danny Pinero. The Dragons defeated the visiting West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers) 2-0 in a Class A minor-league baseball game at Dayton’s Fifth Third Field on Monday, April 10, 2017. MARC PENDLETON / STAFF

John Sansone of the Dragons and Whitecaps shortstop Danny Pinero. The Dragons defeated the visiting West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers) 2-0 in a Class A minor-league baseball game at Dayton’s Fifth Third Field on Monday, April 10, 2017. MARC PENDLETON / STAFF

It’s hard to believe that we haven’t seen a winning baseball team in the home dugout at Fifth Third Field since 2011. The Dragons are off to a 5-2 start, and Luis Bolivar’s first team features an exciting brand of baseball.

Dayton is showing plenty of speed in the early going, the Dragons lead the Midwest League in stolen bases. Jose Siri and Brantley Bell are among the best in minor league baseball. Last Saturday at Lake County, the Dragons tied a club record with six steals in one game.

There is a lot more than speed that goes into the fast start. It certainly doesn’t hurt that nearly half of the Dragons roster spent some time here in Dayton last summer.

That being said, a good start doesn’t always mean you’ll get to the finish line first. In 2014 the Dragons started the season with a 9-3 record and ended up two games under .500 and out of the playoffs.

The Dragons take a five-game winning streak to Midland, Michigan this weekend where they face off against a Great Lakes team that is dead last in ERA in the Midwest League. Loons pitchers have also been lit up for nine home runs in their first seven games.

About the Author