Dayton Dragons starter runs scoreless innings streak to 22

Here’s a story about a Dayton Dragons pitcher not named Hunter Greene.

Packy Naughton is the hottest Dragons hurler after twirling eight shutout innings Monday night in a 5-0 win over the Great Lakes Loons.

That ran his scoreless-inning streak to 22.

The 2017 ninth-round pick out of Virginia Tech last allowed a run June 24.

Since then, he has struck out 17 and walked only one in three outings.

After seven shutting out Lake County over seven innings July 4, he said his improving outcomes were a result of a change to his delivery.

Naughton adjusted his positioning on the rubber, reduced his movement and is now able to attack the strike zone better and throw more breaking pitches for strikes. He has his timing back and his arm isn't lagging behind his body. Before, Naughton's delivery made him much easier to hit.

Self-confidence has helped, too.

“You can never doubt yourself — that’s your worst enemy,” Naughton said. “Your biggest tool as a pitcher should be your aggressiveness and your conviction in each pitch you throw.”

On the season, Naughton is 4-8 with a 4.10 ERA. The 22-year-old leads the Dragons with 85 strikeouts.

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