Estee Harris celebrates with Doug Thennis and Chris Sidick after hitting his first home run as a Washington Wild Thing

Washington, PA—Despite taking an early lead, the Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Financial, fell to the Lake Erie Crushers, 5-3.

After a single by designated hitter Doug Thennis and a walk by center fielder Chris Sidick, left fielder Estee Harris hit a three-run home run over the right field wall to put the Wild Things up 3-0 in the top of the first inning.

The Crushers stormed back in the top of the third to tie the game. Center fielder Patrick Norris hit a single to drive in first baseman Jason Taylor for his team’s first run of the game. Norris was later driven in by left fielder Kellen Kulbacki.

Lake Erie took the lead in the top of the fourth inning on a disputed call. After designated hitter Nick Mahin stole second, catcher Kyle Shaffer singled and drove in Mahin, who slid into home plate (the Wild Things argued the call with the home plate umpire). Shaffer was 4-for-4, with one run and two RBIs. Shaffer later drove in right fielder Jereme Milons in the top of the eighth in what would be the final run of the game.

Washington starting pitcher Gary Lee (1-1) lasted 6 1/3 innings on the mound, allowing four runs (two earned) on nine hits. Lee struck out four batters and walked one. Reliever Michael Cotter pitched the final inning for the Wild Things and allowed one hit.

Lake Erie starter Josh Roberts (5-3) pitched seven innings for the Crushers. Roberts allowed three runs (all earned) on four hits, while walking two and striking out three. Ruben Flores earned his ninth save, pitching one inning, striking out two. 

The Wild Things resume their series against the Lake Erie Crushers tomorrow night at 6:35 p.m. at CONSOL Energy Park. The All Decade Team will make an appearance and be available for autographs prior to the game. The first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark will receive an All Decade Team card set. Tickets are still available and can be purchased through www.washingtonwildthings.com, by calling the box office at 724-250-9555, or by visiting the CONSOL Energy Park box office.