Naughton’s seven-inning performance was the longest of the year for any Dragons pitcher. He allowed three hits and two runs in the first inning, then allowed just two base runners over the rest of his outing, finishing by retiring the final 11 hitters he faced. Naughton (3-1) struck out eight batters to establish a new professional career high.
The Dragons held their 7-2 lead into the ninth inning when they added two more runs on a two-out single by Clementina that brought in Miles Gordon and Beltre. Clementina drove in four runs in the game to give him 23 for the year in 17 games.
Clinton added three runs in the bottom of the ninth against Dragons reliever Ryan Nutof to close out the scoring.
Beltre had three hits to extend his hitting streak to 10 straight games, matching Stuart Fairchild’s team season high. Beltre raised his batting average to .383. Clementina’s two-hit night raised his average to .386.
The Dragons are 5-0 on their six-game road trip. They have scored at least seven runs in all five games.
In the Standings: The Dragons improved their record to 15-11. They climbed to third place in the Midwest League East Division, one and one-half games behind first place Lansing.
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