The Doncaster Dragons did a lot of things right but still came away with a loss against Essendon.
Playing against high-quality opposition, on a blustery day and with a treacherous infield, the Dragons battled hard but went down 3-1 to a team considered a good chance to win the Division One championship.
Jason Blejwas gave another strong performance on the mound, pitching eight innings and allowing nine hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out seven.
Unfortunately for the Dragons, Essendon pitcher Casey Jones was equally as good. He restricted Doncaster to eight hits and one walk, with seven strikeouts.
The offensive highlight was Cameron Hubbard's huge home run in the final inning, which put Doncaster on the scoreboard and briefly raised hopes of a come-from behind victory.
Chris Hodkinson and Blejwas followed with singles, but Essendon turned a neat double play to end the threat.
Ken O'Malley and Blejwas each had two hits, with Andrew Mazzocato, Hodkinson, Hubbard and Sean Pascoe each getting one.
With a blustery cross wind, Doncaster outfielders Daniel Passlow, Mazzocato and Scott Couling were very impressive, each taking fly balls in difficult conditions.
Doncaster's next assignment is a home game against Melbourne on Sunday.
