DAYTON - Certainly Dragons manager Todd Benzinger played long enough to be a part of a game like he witnessed Sunday, May 10, at Fifth Third Field.
The Dragons lost 18-3 to Kane County, bringing back a pleasant memory for Benzinger, who was a member of the Reds when they scored 14 runs in the first inning against Houston. "Seven of us had at least two hits in that inning," said Benzinger, "and I was one of them."
Benzinger was one of three Reds who collected four hits for the game as the Reds produced their biggest inning in team history on Aug. 3, 1989.
"Bob Forsch didn't start the game, but he was the one who took most of the beating," Benzinger said. "He's now a pitching coach in the Reds system, so we talked a lot about that game in spring training. And you know what? The game only took about 1:59 to complete. Tom Browning was pitching for us."
The Reds won 18-2 with Browning going the whole way.
Lineup looking
Still trying to find a lineup that will produce a winning streak, Benzinger used his 30th different lineup, although Dave Sappelt and Cody Puckett remained in the top two spots for the 15th straight game.
There were changes, of course, with a day game following a night game, and Benzinger was able to use Frank Pfister at third base and Tyler Stovall in left field.
Pfister entered the game hitting .211, but had two hits (including a double) and knocked in a run with another hard-hit ball. Stovall, hitting just .140 in limited action, also had a hit and a walk for a second straight game and is expected to see more action in the remainder of this homestand, which concludes with four games against West Michigan beginning Tuesday.
"I haven't been able to give Stovall many at-bats," Benzinger said. "If I can get him into a few games in a row, he has a great chance to be productive for us."
Too many winners
When this homestand is finished, the Dragons will have played 25 percent of their season and only three games (all against Beloit) will have been against teams with a losing record.
Plenty of help
Darren Bragg, hitting coach for the Dragons the previous two years, is in town as a roving instructor. He coached first base Sunday. Former Reds all-star Eric Davis also has been in to help the Dragons, as has Billy Doran, who played 12 big-league seasons, mostly with Houston but also with the Reds .
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com
