Washington Wins Back-And-Forth Opener in Evansville
EVANSVILLE, In. – The Washington Wild Things (32-25) defeated the Evansville Otters (32-25) 7-6 in a back-and-forth opener to the four-game series Friday, July 21. Trevor Foss (8-3) started on the hill for Washington and got the win by going 6.1 innings. He gave up some runs but battled to keep the Wild Things in the game.
First baseman Kane Sweeney put the Wild Things on the scoreboard early with a solo homer with two outs in the top of the first inning. In Washington’s next turn at bat, it was able to add three more. An RBI double from second baseman Justin Bohn and a sacrifice fly from catcher John Fidanza added two before Bohn scored on a wild pitch to put the lead at 4-0 heading into the bottom of the inning.
The Otters were able cut the deficit in half, as first baseman Alejandro Segovia hit a two-run homer, and then they came within one as right fielder Jeff Gardner launched a long ball over the fence in the bottom of the fourth.
Holding a one-run lead heading into the fifth, Washington centerfielder Rashad Brown was able to get aboard and eventually score on an errant pickoff attempt, putting Washington up by two. Evansville would not be silenced as they hit their third home run of the game in the bottom half, this time a two-run shot from second baseman Josh Allen tying the game at five. The Otters then took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the sixth, as centerfielder Brandon Soat was plated on a single from third baseman Nick Walker.
Washington would not go quietly as back-to-back singles in the top of the seventh plated Sweeney and tied the game once again. A sacrifice fly from third baseman Kenny Peoples-Walls then scored left fielder Bralin Jackson, and gave the lead back to the Wild Things heading into the stretch.
In their last chance at-bat, Evansville had a man on with one out, and brought the winning run to the plate in the form of Josh Allen. Zach Strecker was able to force him into a game-ending double play to earn the save and the victory for Washington.
The Wild Things and Otters will resume their Father’s Day rained-out contest in game one of a doubleheader tomorrow at Bosse Field. The first game will begin in the top of the third, with Evansville coming to the plate leading 2-0. Trevor Bradley will be on the mound for the Wild Things, who serve as the home team in the first game, as the original contest was suspended at Wild Things Park. Game two will see Chase Cunningham pitch for Washington. That game will be played 30 minutes after the first game ends. First pitch for the suspended game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. EST.
