Wild Things Take Finale in Traverse City 7-6 to Win Series
TRAVERSE CITY, Mi. (August 16) - The Washington Wild Things claimed their sixth consecutive series Thursday night with a 7-6 road victory over Traverse City at Wuerfel Park.
Things got complicated late, as the Wild Things had a 7-2 lead entering the bottom of the ninth and allowed four runs to score, but were able to end the late-inning theatrics and claim their 46th victory of 2018.
Washington kicked off the scoring early, plating two runs in the top of the first inning. With center fielder James Harris standing on third base, right fielder Hector Roa sent a deep fly to center field to bring in Harris on a sacrifice fly to give the Wild Things the 1-0 advantage. Catcher Kyle Pollock drove in the second run of the first inning by bringing in first baseman Reydel Medina on an RBI single.
Washington tacked on another run in the top of the second when left fielder Roman Collins drove in second baseman Ryan Cox on a sacrifice fly to create a 3-0 game.
Both teams were able to score in the fourth inning with Washington scoring four and Traverse City scoring two. Washington’s scoring plays in the fourth included a 2-RBI single from Medina, third baseman Mike Hill’s RBI fielder’s choice, and an RBI single from Pollock. Washington held a 7-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth.
Traverse City’s scoring plays in the fourth included designated hitter Alexis Rivera’s RBI triple and first baseman Noah McGowan’s RBI groundout to cut the Beach Bum deficit down to 7-2.
No scoring took place for the next four innings, but Traverse City’s Kendall Patrick reversed the trend in the bottom of the ninth when he drove in Rivera on an RBI groundout to create a 7-3 game. Right fielder Isaac Bernard stepped up a few at-bats later and drove in McGowan and left fielder Alec Olund on a 2-RBI double to bring the score to 7-5. A wild pitch by Wild Thing’s relief pitcher Zach Strecker allowed second baseman Ryan Kemp to score to put the Beach Bums within one run at 7-6.
Strecker was able to force a pop out the next at bat to cease the late-inning drama, securing his 18th save of the season and giving Washington the 7-6 victory.
Washington starter Michael Austin (2-2) took his second win of 2018 in his fifth-straight quality start. He threw six complete innings while giving up two runs (both earned) on six hits. He struck out six and did not allow a walk.
Luke DeVenney (1-4) suffered his fourth loss of the season. He threw three complete innings while allowing seven runs (all earned) on six hits. He walked three batters and could not record a strikeout.
Washington was led offensively by Harris, Medina, Pollock, and shortstop Brett Marr who all had multi-hit performances. Medina and Pollock also evenly split four RBI in the contest.
Washington (46-35) will head to Windy City to take on the ThunderBolts Friday at 8:05 p.m. while Traverse City (35-45) will head to Joliet to face the Slammers.
