Wild Things Hold On to Even Series Versus Schaumburg
WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Washington Wild Things (45-40) evened the series against the Schaumburg Boomers (58-28) with a 6-5 win in game two of the series, August 23. Ethan Gibbons (2-2) started on the mound, going 6.1 innings of two-run baseball, allowing three hits and striking out three as well. The Wild Things won, staying within, at worst, a game and a half of the wild-card.
The Wild Things jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning as designated hitter James Harris walked to lead off, stole a base and then scored on a single from left fielder Bralin Jackson. Jackson was then plated as third baseman Kenny Peoples-Walls reached on an errant throw from the second baseman that pulled first baseman Tanner Pinkston off the bag, who then lost control of the ball as he swung to tag Peoples-Walls. Washington second baseman Justin Bohn added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth as he plated shortstop Mike Hill on a sacrifice fly to right field, putting the score at 3-0.
Schaumburg got two back in the top of the fifth. Pinkston led off with a single, and then second baseman Andrew Brodbeck reached on a hit as Hector Roa lost the ball in the lights, allowing it to drop for a double. Two straight groundouts scored both Pinkston and Brodbeck, respectively, bringing them within a run. Washington got these two runs back quickly as they loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth for Hill, who knocked in two runners with a single to right field, pushing the lead to 5-2. Bohn added another run with his second sacrifice fly of the game, this one coming in the bottom of the eighth.
The comeback was on in the top of the ninth as designated hitter Rock Shoulders reached on an error to start the inning. Zach Strecker then allowed two singles to the next two batters he faced, loading the bases with no outs. The next batter sent a dribbler back to the pitcher, but Strecker threw the ball wide of the catcher, allowing a run to score. This chased the pitcher from the game, bringing in Jake Eaton. Catcher Nick Oddo drove in a run with a ground-out to the second baseman, and a sacrifice fly from Weigel brought the Boomers within a run.
Holland came to the plate, trying to bring in the tying run from second base. He sent a single to centerfield, but a highlight worthy throw from Washington centerfielder Rashad Brown to the catcher John Fidanza got the runner out, and the Wild Things held on for a 6-5 victory.
Washington will look to win the series tomorrow as Tyler Garkow (1-0) is set to take the mound, first pitch at 7:05 p.m.
