Washington Loses Late Lead in Extra-Inning Loss
WASHINGTON, PA – The Washington Wild Things (28-24) lost 5-4 in extra innings in game two against the Windy City ThunderBolts (30-22) Saturday night. It was the fifth-straight loss for the Wild Things, who were swept going into the All-Star Break, and have now lost both games since coming back.
Recently signed outfielder James Harris led off the game for the Wild Things and went 0-5 in his new spot in the lineup, while center fielder Rashad Brown went 3-5 hitting from the two hole – Saturday night was the first game this season Brown has not led off.
The scoring started early in the first inning, when left fielder Coco Johnson tripled to lead off the game for the ThunderBolts. He was brought home immediately on an RBI single by centerfielder Keenyn Walker to make the game 1-0 after one inning of play, in favor of Windy City.
Washington threatened with the bases loaded in the second inning. Right fielder Hector Roa walked to lead off the inning, left fielder Bralin Jackson was hit by a pitch and catcher Kyle Pollock walked to load the bases with one out. However, the Wild Things could not get the job done with the bases juiced, and Windy City still led 1-0 after three innings.
In the fifth inning, the Wild Things were able to capitalize on a big error by the ThunderBolts and scored four runs to take a 4-1 lead after five innings of play. Jackson singled with two runners on, whom both scored, and was sent to third after an error on the Windy City first baseman. The four-run fifth inning knocked the ThunderBolts starter out of the game.
In the seventh inning, Windy City scored two runs, thanks to a single by right fielder Blair Beck and a bases-loaded walk that was drawn by Walker. Headed to the eighth inning, the game was 4-3 in favor of Washington.
Washington’s starter, right-handed pitcher Trevor Foss, was knocked out of the game in the two-run seventh. Foss went 6.1 innings, allowing six hits and three earned runs while striking out seven Thunderbolts.
With Washington maintaining a one-run lead in the final frame, closer Zach Strecker (5-3) blew the save when Johnson doubled home Beck to tie the game at 4-4, bringing the game to extras.
Strecker stayed in the game for Wild Things in the tenth inning, and allowed the game-winning run, when shortstop Ransom LaLonde singled home one run with the bases loaded, while a potential-second run was thrown out at the plate. It was the first blown save for Strecker since May 19. He had converted 12 straight opportunities.
The Wild Things finish their series with the ThunderBolts on Sunday, with first pitch at 5:05 p.m. Chase Cunningham (6-1) starts on the mound for Washington, while Zac Westcott (5-3) takes the mound for Windy City.
