Florence Takes Opener Over Washington in Walk-Off Fashion
WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Washington Wild Things (13-12) fell to the Florence Freedom (17-8) in the series opener tonight by way of a walk-off single.
Trevor Foss got the nod for Washington, and went 5.2 innings allowing eight hits and five runs. Zach Strecker (4-1) got the loss, going 1.2 innings of three-hit ball, while surrendering the game’s winning run.
The Wild Things were able to score the first run of the game in the second inning as shortstop Mike Hill hit his third home run in as many games, a solo shot that put the score at 1-0. They then saw this lead disappear off one swing of the bat as Florence designated hitter Jose Brizuela hit a two-run shot to right field, putting the Freedom up 2-1 in the third. In the top of the fifth, Washington was able to bring the game back even after Hill scored on a fielder’s choice.
This didn’t last long as singles from catcher Garrett Vail and second baseman Daniel Fraga gave the Freedom three runs in the bottom of the sixth, pushing their lead to 5-2. Centerfielder Rashad Brown got one back for the Wild Things with a sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh, reducing the deficit to 5-3. They were then unable to add any more in the frame, despite loading the bases. In their next turn at bat, first baseman Kane Sweeney started the rally with a lead-off double. One batter later, Mike Hill jacked his second home run of the night over the right field wall, tying the game at five.
Rashad Brown reached on a one-out walk in the top of the ninth, extending his on-base streak to eight games. He was stranded, however, on a diving out number three, which would prove to be the last batter for the Wild Things as Brower scored on a walk-off single from Vail in the bottom of the inning.
The Wild Things will look for redemption in the second game of the series tomorrow with first pitch set for 6:05 p.m.
