Washington Wins in 11th on Walk-Off Hit by Pitch in Series Opener Against Windy City
WASHINGTON, PA— Right fielder Hector Roa drove in all three Wild Things’ runs, the last coming on a walk off hit by pitch, which gave Washington a 3-2 over the Windy City ThunderBolts in the series opener Tuesday. Washington (25-15) was out hit by the ThunderBolts (12-27) by an 11-4 margin.
Windy City (12-27) drew first blood in the top of the third. With two outs and runners on second and third, right fielder Axel Johnson singled to left, scoring third baseman Matt Brown. Johnson finished the night going 4-5 with a double and an RBI, along with two walks.
It remained 1-0 until the sixth, when Washington’s offense finally got going against ThunderBolts' starting pitcher Jake Welch. With runners at the corners and two outs, right fielder Hector Roa doubled home left fielder Roman Collins and first baseman Reydel Medina to put the Wild Things in front, 2-1.
The lead wouldn't last past the next half inning. With two outs and Windy City second baseman Tim Zier batting, shortstop Omar Obregon stole second, his fourth stolen base of the season. The swipe would prove to be significant when Zier singled to shallow left, scoring Obregon and tying the game.
Zier’s single ended Wild Things' starting pitcher Thomas Dorminy's night. The left-hander stayed at 5-2 on the season, managing just a no-decision despite giving up two earned runs on seven hits while walking just one and striking out three over 6.2 innings. Dorminy has now given up two earned runs or fewer in five of his eight starts this season.
For Windy City, Welch pitched six solid frames, giving up only the two sixth-inning runs on four hits, while walking three and striking out three more. Welch also picked up a no-decision.
Neither team could break through over the next four innings. For Washington, Davis Adkins, Zach Strecker and Sam Mersing kept the ThunderBolts from scoring, while Windy City reliever Drew Peden allowed just one base runner and struck out five over three no-hit innings.
The ThunderBolts’ threatened in the top of the ninth, loading the bases with one out against Strecker. Washington’s closer bared down, however, striking out catcher Larry Balkwill for the second out. With the bases still full, designated hitter Riley Krane hit a line drive down the right field line, but was robbed by Medina, and Strecker escaped the frame with the contest still tied at two. Leaving men on base was a theme for the ThunderBolts, as they left 15 runners on collectively.
The bottom of the 11th started with Wild Things’ second baseman Carter McEachern on second base due to the international tiebreaker rule. Windy City decided to intentionally walk Collins before Pollock flied out to left, bringing Medina to the dish. After a wild pitch moved the runners up, Medina was intentionally walked, setting the stage for Roa, who was 2-4 on the night. A 1-0 pitch from Joel Toribio nicked Roa, giving Washington the win.
Mersing got the victory for the Wild Things in relief, while Torbino took the loss for Windy City.
The middle game of the series is scheduled for tomorrow morning with a special start time of 11:05. Trevor Bradley (2-0, 3.41 ERA) is scheduled to start for Washington, going against Connor Bach (0-1, 12.00 ERA) for Windy City.
