HERNDON- The DC Dragons lost their second consecutive league championship and their third in four years. The feeling has left DC Metro likening themselves to the Buffalo Bills of DC area baseball. Once again solid pitching by Kevin Hulse(7ip,6r,1er,3bb,7h,7k,L)was wasted by sloppy defense that the A's capitalized on. For the A's their starting pitcher(name unknown)he also pitched an excellent game allowing just one earned run in 7 innings pitched. The Dragons struck first in the bottom of the opening inning with the help of two errors. 3B Brian Brewer cashed in by stroking a double to right center that scored SS Brandon Ripley and 2B Steve Grimm. The A's came back to tie the score in the top of the 3rd whenWagner led off with an error. Straw doubled home Wags and with two outs Omeir came up big with the tying double to centerfield scoring Straw. The A's took the lead in the top of the 6th. With one out Anderson singled and eventually scored with the aid of an error and two fielder's choice plays. In the top of the 7th the Alexandria Athletics tacked on some insurance runs with the help of yet another error. With two outs Omeir drew a walk. The next batter King hit a routine ground ball to the infield. What appeared to be a sure out to end the inning was an ugly overthrow. That miscue was pounced on by Anderson who roped the A's fourth double of the game that scored Omeir and King pushing the lead to 6-2 in favor of the A's. The Dragons scored their final run of the game with a one out homerun to deep center by C Mike Johnson. A dropped ball in the outfield for the Dragons' 6th error of the game allowed Wagner to score on a Stoupa single. Omeir picked up his second save of the series allowing just one base runner via walk in the final two innings. The Dragons reached their goal of returning to the league championship. That goal was met playing mainly with 11 guys, several of whom were injured, as the roster whittled down to those who were dedicated. While many teams would be happy to reach one final series, let alone three, the feeling is still one of emptiness for our veterans. Congratulations to the Alexandria A's winning their second consecutive championship. At any level, in any sport, that is a rare and very special accomplisment!

WEST POTOMAC - DC Metro fell short in their rally to come back from a 9-1 deficit to end the game on a strikeout by relief pitcher Omeir with the tying run on 2nd in the top of the 9th. Tommy Bell got the win went 6 or 7 innings(apologies as the webmaster is posting this without the book). Mike Johnson(9ip,12hits,bb,9r,3er,9kL) scattered 12 hits while striking out nine to take the complete loss. In the bottom of the 1st with the bases loaded, Mike Barkett(3-3,r,rbi,2b)got an infield hit that scored Stoupa who led off the inning with a walk. Johnson was able to get out of the inning without any further damage. DC Metro tied the game in the top of the 2nd when P Mike Johnson singled and was sacrificed over. With two outs 1b John Swanson doubled scoring courtesy runner Brandon Ripley. The A's went back up in the bottom of the 3rd when T.Bell advanced to second on a K e-2. Phillips made it hurt by plating Bell. The A's brought another run home in the 4th when Wagner drove Stoupa in. Omeir then doubled scoring Stoupa pushing the lead up 4-1 in favor of the A's. In the 5th the wheels came off for the Dragons as they surrendered five unearned runs. An infield errror and flyball out in center that was misplayed open the door. With two outs T. Bell kicked it off the hinges making his only hit of the game count, a three run homer. In the 6th the Dragons scored after DH Brian Puccio led off with a walk. In the 8th Puccio again led off with another walk and scored, as well as T.Johnson with a hit by Korson. With the help of a few errors, and bases loaded walks the Dragons cut the lead to 9-7 after Puccio singled in a run. Omeir, the A's third pitcher came in and got the final out and the A's went home with the win. For the Alexandria A's Omeir and Barkett had 3 hits a piece. Tony Korson collected two in the losing effort for the DC Metro Dragons.

WEST POTOMAC- Tony Korson(10ip,1er,4h,3bb,15k,W)pitched a gem of a game with ice in his veins as the Dragons came out on top with a 4-2 victory in 10 innings. The Brewers struck first in the bottom of the 3rd when Justin led off with a single and stole second base. A wild pitch moved him to third and Dean reached on an error. With runners at first and third, Tenleytown's runner at first was nearly picked off. While in the run down the Dragons' shorstop made an errant throw home allowing Justin to score. DC Metro answered back in the top of 4th with fundamental baseball. C Mike Johnson doubled to open up the inning. 2b Steve Grimm promptly bunted him to third. 1b Johnson(2-3,2rbi,3b,bb,sac)lifted a flyball to left field Johnson tagged on and scored. Korson continued to mow Brewers down left and right and then stepped into the box in the top of the 6th. TK blasted a solo shot to right center putting the Dragons in the driver seat 2-1. The top of the 8th saw a scary moment when with one on, pinch hitter Dybalksi was struck in the face with a fast ball that got away from the Brewers' pitcher. Drew went down but was up quick. Unfortunately he had to leave the game and head to the hospital as the ball struck him in the mouth. Totally unintentional the Brewers' pitcher showed a lot of class and concern during and after the game. Perhaps slightly phased by incident DC Metro's next three batters went down striking out. In the bottom of the 9th the Brewers mounted their comeback. Clutch hitting Rob Johnsen opened up the inning with a leadoff double down the left filed line. Jake singled putting runners at 1st and 3rd with no one out. On the next pitch the umpire called out a balk on Korson allowing the tying run to come home and putting the winning run on 2nd base with no one out. After another walk the Dragons' manager called for an intentional walk loading the bases with no one out. Korson stood tall and the infield played in cutting down two runners at the plate and ending the threat on a fielder's choice. In the top of the 10th the Red Beast regrouped. 3B Brian Puccio led the inning off by reaching first base on a hit batter. The next two batters went down on a fly out and strikeout. With two outs Steve Grimm drew a walk moving the go ahead run to second. In stepped John Swanson who for the 2nd consecutive time in the WARBL Championship had the eventual game winning, title clinching hit. Swanny laced a triple to the right field gap that scored both Puccio and Grimm. Korson pitched his way through the bottom of the 10th inducing three Brewer batters to ground out in between one hit and a walk. TONY KORSON SET A NEW POST SEASON RECORD WITH 15 STRIKEOUTS IN A GAME.

The Dragons will play in the DC Wood Championship with game 1 slated for a 2pm start back at West Pot. At this time it is unknown if it will be the defending DC Wood Champion A's or the Fairfax Astros. WHEATON REGIONAL PARK- Down 0-1 in the best of three series the Dragons came back with their ace Mike Johnson(9ip,2h,1er,bb,9k,W)who had a no hit bid until the top of the 7th when he surrendered a solo home run to C Rob Johnsen. Unphased MJ only surrended one more hit and an unearned run enroute to the complete game win. DC Metro took the lead in the top of the 2nd when 2B Steve Grimm(5-5,2r,2rbi,(2)2b)led off with a double and was singled home by C Justin Williams(2-4,r,rbi,sb). With two outs Williams was able to cross home after being advanced by a single and the help of an error in the inning putting the Dragons up 2-0. In the bottom of the 5th two more insurance runs were plated after the Red Beast banged out three doubles in the inning by Mike Johnson(2-5,r,2rbi,2b),Grimm, and RF Andrew Dybalski(2-4,2b,rbi). The Brewers made a little noise in the top of the 7th on the solo shot by Johnsen, and tacked on another run in the 8th after a hustling Justin(0-2,2sb)reached on a passed ball third strike and throwing error by the Dragon catcher. Justin stole third and eventually scored on a fielders choice cutting the lead in half 4-2. In the bottom of the 8th DC Metro busted the game open scoring 3 more runs as Ripley, Puccio, and Pignotti came home to score with help of a bases loaded hit by Mike Johnson. DC METRO TIED OR SET SEVERAL POST SEASON RECORDS IN THE WIN WITH 18 HITS, 2 HITS ALLOWED, AND STEVE GRIMM'S 5-5 PERFORMANCE AND 2 DOUBLE GAME. The decisive game three is slated to be played at Western Potomac with an 8oclock start. DRAGONS ARE SHUT OUT 4-0 AS THEY GO DOWN 0-1 in WARBL CHAMPIONSHIP OLNEY MANOR - DC Metro was flat and the starting pitcher(name unknown)was dominant as he pitched a complete game shutout allowing just 4 hits while striking out 9 Dragon batters. The Brewer struck first in the bottom half of inning number one plating three runs. With two outs starting pitcher Andrew Dybalkski(2 1/3ip,4h,4r,3er,bb,k,L)got into trouble as C Rob Johnsen worked out of an 0-2 count to start a two out rally. Two hits and an error later and the Brew Crew were up 3-0. The Brewers tacked on more run with the help of a throwing error on an errant pick off attempt that meant very little as the Dragons were unable to come up with any runs. Justin Hulse(5 2/3,3h,0r,5k)came into relieve in the 3rd with one out and held the Brewers scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Dragons will play tonite at 8pm at Wheaton Regional Park and hope to force a game 3 and avoid elimination.

THOMAS EDISON HIGH SCHOOL - The Dragons took game two of the best of three vs Murphy's Green Sox on a muggy Sunday afternoon. After DC Metro went down in order in the top of the 1st, The Sox jumped out to an early lead 2-0. Lim opened up the inning by reaching on a hit batter and advanced to second on an errant pick off attempt. With two outs Paulson singled putting runners at first and third. Connely singled up the middle driving in one and the next run scored with the help of a miscue. Mike Johnson(5ip,4h,2r,1er,bb,hbp,5k,W)settle down the rest of the way allowing just one hit and a walk for 2 base runners the remainder of his outing. In the top half of the second the Dragons took the lead and never looked backed. 1b Brian Brewer(2-4,r)led of with a single. P Mike Johnson walked and RF John Swanson singled to load the bases. CF Dino Pignotti(1-1,2r,rbi,bb,hbp)picked up the first rbi by drawing the bases loaded walk. 2b Justin Williams(1-2,2rbi,sac)knocked in Swanson and Pignotti putting the Red Beast in the driver's seat. After two quiet innings DC Metro broke it open in the top of the 5th with rbis by Brandon Ripley(2-4,2r,rbi,sb),Brian Puccio(2-4,r,4rbi),and another bases loaded walk to C Justin Hulse(0-3,bb,rbi). Brian Puccio again added two more rbis in the top of the 6th for insurance scoring pignotti and ripley. The Dragons went to the pen shutting down Johnson early and brought in Brian Brewer(1ip,0h,0r,3k)who made quick work of the 6th striking out the side. Things got interesting in the bottom of the 7th when reliever Kevin Hulse(1ip,1er,2h,hbp)came in and allowed one run. With two outs the Sox managed to load the bases before K.Hulse induced the final Sox batter to ground out 6-4 to end the game.

THE DC METRO DRAGONS WILL LOOK TO PICK UP THEIR 100th ALL TIME WIN WHEN THEY OPEN AGAINST THE DIVISION WINNING TENLEY TOWN BREWERS IN THE WARBL CHAMPIONSHIP ON TUESDAY. CORA KELLY FIELD - The DC Dragons opened up the second round of the playoffs and Tony Korson returned in stellar fashion going 4-4 with 3 runs scored and rbi while pitching 7 innings allowing 3 earned runs and striking out 12 batters. The Sox struck first in the top of the 1st as they were able to score 3 runs on a few walks, hits, and the normal early inning Dragon errors. K-Dog was able to settle down ending the inning on a strike out and would go on to retire the next 6 batters via strikeout. Knowing the Sox to be so scrappy, DC Metro had to come back early as they have managed to linger around with the Red Beast for two ties with their never quit attitude. In the bottom half of the inning the Dragons were able to chip away scoring two runs. In the bottom of the 3rd the Dragons took the lead for good scoring 2 runs on a handful of throwing errors by the Green Sox. Murphys scored two more times in the 4th and 5th but the Dragons ran away with the game as they opened it up in the 4th scoring 6 runs and sprinkled in two more later for the final of 12-5. Mike Johnson(1ip,1h,0r)saw one inning of work as tune up for his start in game 2. Justin Hulse(1ip,0r,0h,3k)was lights out in the final inning. In total the Dragons belted out 18 hits and again had several more hitting stars. SS Brandon Ripley(2-5,2r,3rbi,3b),Brian Puccio(2-5,2r,rbi,2sb),RF John Swanson(3-5,r,rbi,sb),C Justin Hulse(2-4,2rbi,bb),and 2B Justin Williams(2-4,2r,2b).

DC Metro Dragons take both games as Andrew Dyabalski walks away with two wins on the night.

DC DRAGONS 1 FRONT PAGE GRAYS 0

In the 2 inning "mini game", a special rule designed by league president, the Dragons brought out fundamental baseball to walk away with the win.

In the bottom of the first normal cleanup hitter C Mike Johnson was slotted as the leadoff batter. M.J. stroked a single into left field and was lifted for pinch runner OF Justin Williams. J Dub stole second and from there the clinic was on. 3B Brandon Ripley moved Williams to 3rd on a bunt. With one strike SS Steve Grimm squeezed the eventual winning run home. Dyablksi's line in two innings(2ip,0h,0r,bb,k,W)

DC DRAGONS 15 Front Page Grays 5

The score does not indicate how close the game was until the Red Beast broke it open in the 7 inning on combined 18 hit night.

DC Metro struck first in the opening inning scoring two runs. The Grays came right back and scored three earned off Drew in the bottom half of the inning. In the top of the 2nd the Dragons jumped up again scoring two more pushing the lead to 5-3. In the bottom of the 3rd the Grays chipped away scoring the first of the two unearned runs allowed. In the bottom of the 4th the Grays their 5th run with the help of an error tying the score at 5-5.

The Red Beast went up for good in the top of the 6th with two more runs and called for their closer Justin Hulse(2ip,1h,0r,3k,S)to shut down the next two innings.

Looking for a little insurance the Dragons went off in the top of the 7th and scored 8 runs as the wheels finally came off for the Grays.

Hitting stars for the Dragons were abundant. 1b Brian Brewer(4-5,rbi),SS Brandon Ripley(3-4,3r,2rbi,bb,sb),CF Dino Pignotti(3-4,3r,bb,(2)2b),2B Steve Grimm(2-5,2r,3rbi,sb),and DH Brian Puccio(2-5,r,rbi). C Justin Hulse scored 3 runs,P Andrew Dyablksi was 1-1 with an rbi, 3B Mike Johnson drove in two runs and belted a double,and pinch hitter Dan Guinan added an rbi.

For the Front Page Grays Deeleou,Houts,Hurley,Hugel,and Strumfells all had an rbi in the losing effort.

AGAIN IT WAS A HARD FOUGHT AND COMPETITIVE SERIES BY THE FRONT PAGE GRAYS - GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR WHERE EVER YOU END UP!


DC METRO DRAGONS 5 FRONT PAGE GRAYS 5

For the second consecutive day nothing was settled for game 1 as the Dragons and Grays walked away with a tie after 9 innings of ball.

Mike Johnson(7ip,h6,0er,bb5,hbp1,k9,ND)went seven innings and saw 5 unearned runs scored against him in the no decision. For the Grays starting pitcher Koch(9ip,4h,2er,7bb,11k)pitched the complete game no decision and also suffered from a handful of errors and some wildness that was costly in the bottom of the ninth.

The Grays struck first in the top of the 1st as 2b Morgan led off with a walk. SS Deeleuw singled. After a passed ball and two errors in the middle infield the Grays were up 2-0. Johnson took matters into his own hands ending the threat by striking out the side with bases loaded.

The Dragons chipped away in the bottom of the second scoring one run. C Andrew Dybalski put down a bunt single and advance to 2nd on an errant pick off attempt. A wild pitch moved Drew to 3rd. RF John Swanson drove in Dybaslki with a sacrifice fly to right field. DC Metro moved another runner to third and threated to tie the game but Koch battled back and struck out 2 batters to end the threat.

In the bottom of the third the Dragons tied the game on an infield pop up that was mishandled. SS Ripley led off with a walk and was advanced to second by CF Pignotti's bunt. Koch induced cleanup hitter Johnson to pop up to the infield. A hustling Ripley scored on the error.

The Grays came back and took the lead in the top half of the 4th. Sharp belted a ball down the line off third base that 3b Steve Grimm made an exciting diving catch. Grimm fired to 1st as the ball was mishandled allowing Sharp to reach base. Koch advanced Sharp with bunt into scoring position. LF Strumfells singled and Johnson struck out the next batter. With runners at first and third and two outs Morgan laced a single in the hole allowing the Grays to go up 3-2.

The home half of the 5th the Dragons seesawed back into the lead with one unearned run and another manufactured. OF Kevin Hulse led off with a single and promptly stole 2nd. Ripley the reached base on a K-e2 that placed runners at the corner. After a wild pitch tied it up Dino Pignotti squeezed home Ripley making it 4-3 in favor of the Dragons.

In the top of the 7th the Grays moved back into the lead. 3b Hugill reached on a hit batter. With one out Johnson the walked RF Hurley. MJ struck out the next batter the surrendered another walk to Koch. LF Strumfells hit a routine ball to the Dragons' first basemen who misplayed it and allowed Hugill and Hurley to both score.

For the 8th and 9th the Dragons called for their closer Justin Hulse(2ip,0h,0r,4ks)who held the game in check through the final two frames.

In the bottom of the ninth DC Metro battled back with two outs to tie the game. With one out 2b Williams singled and stole second. Justin Hulse walked. Koch struck out the next batter giving the Dragons just one out to work with. SS Ripley walked,his fourth time reaching safely in the game bring up Dino Pignotti with bases loaded. Koch surrendered his fourth walk of the inning to Dino knotting the game up as Williams came home to score. Koch was able to avoid surrendering the walk off run as forced the next batter to ground out weakly 1-3.

For DC Metro Pignotti picked up 2rbis and Justin Williams collected two hits. For the Grays Houts and Morgan both had two hits.

Tomorrow will see a special game 1 slated for 2 innings(DC Wood rule)and game two scheduled for 7 innings. At this time it is unknown what the protocol is if no winner in the shortened mini game.

The DC Metro Dragons finished their regular season with a 5-6 loss to the Fairfax Astros ending their hopes at repeating as WARBL regular season division winners. However DC Metro achieved their goal of double digit wins set by the manager and team as they finished with a respectable 16-7-1 regular season record.

Mike Johnson collected his third MVP in the team's six year history as he set a new season highs in wins(7)and strikeouts(72)to accompany his team leading era of 1.18. M.J. also hit .333 while banging out 20 hits and scoring 15 runs and 12 rbi.

2007 Rookie of the Year award went to utility player Justin Williams. J Dub played all three positions in the outfield, shortstop, and catcher to help the Dragons battle through an injured and poor attending roster. During the year Justin set a new all time stolen base mark of 20 in a season and blew away the all times run scored in a season by crossing the plate a total of 30 times.

Another rookie who made a noticeable impact was 1b Dan Guinan. Danny hit .319 on the year and drove in 11 rbis routinely hitting out of the 8 or 9 hole.

In his second year, P/DH Andrew Dybalksi, led all Dragon hitters with a .380 clip and scored 14 times while driving in 8 rbi.

Veteran infielder Steve Grimm had an incredible year returning from a gruesome injury where he broke his foot sliding in last years championship series vs the A's. Steve hit .358 and broke the Dragon regular season hit record with 29 held by former player Jay Long. Grimm also surpassed the previous mark of doubles in season by belting out 11 of his own again passing former player Jay Long and 1b Dave Fragale's 7.

Other notables on the year were the return of John Swanson late in the season in limited action hittinh .391, DH Brian Puccio's team leading on base percentage of .584, OF Dan Lerner stealing 9 bases in his rookie year, veteran OF Dino Pignotti's solid contribution of 8 runs and 9 rbis, and Brian Brewer going without a strikeout in 48 plate appearances.


DC DRAGONS 22 PATRIOTS 5

The hit parade was out tonite as the DC Metro Dragons stomped the Patriots pounding out 23 hits. LF John Swanson led the attack with 4 hits and 4 rbi. SS Steve Grimm also collected 4 hits and 4rbis. C Williams scored three times, Andrew Dybalkski had four hits, 1b Dan Guinan 2 hits 3rbis, and 2b Dino Pignotti had 2 hits and 2 rbi.

Brian Puccio(6 2/3,3h,3bb,2hbp,12k,W)picked up the win after shutting down Andrew Dybalski with no point of wasting good pitching with a big game coming up tomorrow vs the Astros.


DC Dragons 2 ALEXANDRIA A's 4

Some how the Dragons were in this game and gave up the lead late despite Lorman pitching a stellar game picking up the complete game 1 hit win while striking out 12 batters with no earned runs.

Andrew Dybalkski also pitched a good game going 7 1/3 innings allowing just 5 hits and striking out six.

The A's struck first with an unearned run in the top of the 4th when T Bell's single was misplayed by the left fielder allowing him to advance to second. Alan sacrificed him to third. 2b Steve Grimm made checked the runner for the 2nd out. The run came across to score with a 10 foot single in front of Drew who was unable to make a play.

The Dragons came back in the 6th when Grimm crushed a double down the left field line, the only hit of the game for the Dragons. Puccio was hit by a pitch and two wild pitches and error allowed both unearned runs to score for the lead.

In the top of the 8th the A's came back to tie the game off a smoked double to the fence by T.Bell. Closer Justin Hulse came in and gave up the go ahead run off a single to Phillips.

That would be all the scoring as the A's walked away with the win knocking the Dragons back into 2nd place and needing a lot of help to win back to back WARBL regular season championships.




DC DRAGONS 4 MURPHY'S GREENSOX 4

Making a second emergency start Brian Puccio(5ip,3er,3h,3bb,hbp,k,ND)had a quality outing holding the Sox at bay for 4 2/3 innings. With the bases loaded in the 5th and up 4-2 the Dragons called on closer Justin Hulse who was not ready. Puccio remained on the hill and surrendered a rocket double to pinch hitter Hollandson down the left field line. The would be winning run Hickey was waved home and cut down at plate by a relay throw from lf Dan Lerner to Steve Grimm.

8 pitches later at the start of the 6th ining, the same amount that would have been to warm up in the 5th, Justin Hulse(3ip,0r,1h,5k)shut the game down just blowing away Green Sox hitters.

DC Metro scored all four of the runs in the 3rd inning and were held off the remainder of the game.



DC DRAGONS 5 MURPHY'S GREENSOX 2

Brian Brewer(3ip,0er,3h,bb,5k,W)picked up his first win in an unexpected start due to the late arrival of the scheduled starting pitcher. Kevin Hulse(2ip,0,er,bb,hbp,2k)held the game in check allowing an unearned run on an infield throwing error as he did not give up a hit. Justin Hulse(2ip,0r,1h,bb,3k,S)racked up the save as he closed out the 6th and 7th innings. 2b Steve Grimm(2-4,rbi,2sb)was the only Dragon player with a multi hit game. 1b Dan Guinan stole his first career base as DC Dragon.


DC DRAGONS 15 ARLINGTON SENATORS 3

Through five innings this game was close with a score of 5-3. Mike Johnson(5-6,2r,2rbi,2sb,2b)tied the record for hits in a game with five set last year by Travis Parrot. SS Justin Williams blew away the previous record of 3 stolen bases in a game by swiping 7 on the night. 2b Steve Grimm(3-5,2r,2rbi,2sb)banged out two doubles. C Andrew Dybalksi(4-5,3r,rbi,2sb)rounded out the impressive hitting attack with four hits of his own. Mike Johnson(6ip,2er,7h,3bb,3k,W)picked up his team leading 7th win of the year also setting the all time win mark in a season at 7.






The Knights followed up the NV Blues with a punch to the gut of DC Metro, defeating the Dragons 6-2 at Robert Lee High School. The starting pitcher for the Knights pitched 7 or strong innings and allowed just one earned run. The Dragons scored the only other run by way of an error on an infield fly rule pop up.

Check to the Nova Knights site for highlights and names of their players www.novaknights.com.

Staggering lately the Dragons will have to answer the bell in the late half of the season when their players are healthy and or if they can manage to piece together their entire lineup. Otherwise things will only continue to spiral out of control fast.




Dragons 0 NV Blues 9

DC Metro took one to the chin as they were rocked 9-0 by the NV Blues. Mike Johnson had 6 strikeouts in the first 3 innings before the wheels fell off defensively. Misjudged balls, dropped fly balls, several guys out of position, and the missing of multiple key players were some contributing factors. However, being unable to score a run its very likley the result would have still been a loss Friday nite at Oakton High School.

The starting pitcher for the NV Blues pitched a great game and the 3 and 4 hitters paced the offensive attack. As a result of the lineup not given it's not possible to individually recognize the excellent efforts.


Dragons 1 Alexandria A's 1

RAIN OUT - knotted 1-1 in the 3rd, the sky opened up accompanied by lightning and shut the game down at Shirley Povich Stadium.




DRAGONS 1 ROYALS 3

Dragons continue to sputter offensively unable to offer support to solid pitching by Andrew Dybalksi (nd) and Mike Johnson.


DRAGONS 8 ALEXANDRIA STORM 4

Blair Stadium - The DC Metro Dragons picked up their 70th career victory against the Alexandria Storm. After falling behind 3-0 as a result of more defensive miscues the Red Beast came back to take the lead in the time shortened 8 inning game. Andrew Dybalksi picked up the win in his first start of the 07 season and Mike Johnson collected his first save of the year as he held off the Storm for three innings.

The Dragons next game is early ,and let's hope bright with the recent inclement weather, at Mclean High School vs division opponent DC Cardinals. DC Metro will hope to come away with two wins over the weekend and gain a little momentum and ground in the standings of the WARBL.

Stats will be updated following this weekend's double header.



DRAGONS 1 TENLEYTOWN BREWERS 2

The DC Metro Dragons again failed to earn their 70th win falling to the Tenleytown Brewers in 10 innings of a scheduled 7 inning game. Game two was a wash. The Dragons continued to struggle both offensively and defensively. Mental lapses on both sides of the ball paved the way for the loss.

The Dragons lone run of the game to tie it late in the bottom of the 7th was scored by SS Justin Hulse who singled to open up the inning. A passed ball, ground out, and an error pushed the unearned run across. The anemic offense was again limited to just two hits for the second consecutive time.

The pitching combination of Brad Forrestel, Andrew Dybalksi, and Justin Hulse held Tenleytown to just four hits and ten strikeouts but the Brewers walked away with win.    The Brew Crew manufactured the go ahead run in the top of the 10th with a lead off single, a fielder's choice, an error, and swiping three bases in the inning.

DC Metro will attempt to rebound from a two game slide weather permitting this Tuesday night at Blair Stadium vs The Storm.


DRAGONS 2 NV BLUES 7

A close game after five innings DC Metro led into the top of the 6th when the Blues took lead scoring 2 runs in that inning. The Blues added on several more runs late to run away with the 7-2 defeat of the Dragons. The Dragons were held to just two hits by the NV Blues pitching duo. The webmaster offers apologies for the lack of information of the game as he was not in attendance and kept in contact of the game via cell phone.

DC Metro will look to rebound from their loss this Sunday at Mclean High School with a double header against the Tenley Town Brewers.



GAME 1 BEARS 3 DRAGONS 13 - GAME 2 DRAGONS 16 BEARS 1

The DC Metro Dragons opened their 2007 season with an expected rag tag appearance while awaiting the shipment of new uniforms for the rookies. Although the Red Beast did win by significant margins in both games their play was sloppy at times. In two games the defense committed an unacceptable 8 errors on the day.

Kevin Hulse (4ip,1er,3,3bb,2hbp 5k,W) and Mike Johnson (5ip,0er,3h,bb,7k,W) picked up their first wins of the season. Rookie C Alan Germano produced a 9 rbi day picking up 5rbis in game 1 with three hits and 4 rbis in game 2. Rookie CF Williams crossed the plate 5 times in game 1 while stealing 2 bags. There were many hits and many Dragon runs.

Other players of note were in Game 1 Mike Johnson 2-4,2rbi and in Game 2 2b Steve Grimm collected two hits.

DC Bears set new record for hit batters in a game plunking 5 Dragons in game 1 and added on 3 more in game 2 to bring the total to 8 hit batters on the day !