Ryan Cox Doubles Home Game's Winning Run, Scores Insurance Run as Wild Things Win in 12 Innings
WASHINGTON, Pa. (August 8)- The Washington Wild Things defeated the Joliet Slammers in 12 innings Wednesday night by a final of 3-1 on the road. Despite the back-and-forth defensive and pitching battle, both teams combined for 16 hits in the extra innings game. With the win, Washington took sole possession of first place in the East Division.
The first two innings featured scoreless play from both teams, but Washington center fielder James Harris changed the trend with a solo home run in the top of the third inning to give the Wild Things a 1-0 lead. The homer was Harris' 13th of the season.
Innings four and five went quiet with no scoring as well, but Joliet was able to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. First baseman Trenton Hill drove in right fielder Ridge Hoopii-Haslam on an RBI single to tie the game 1-1.
The back-and-forth defensive game continued in the eighth and ninth innings and into extras as fans at Route 66 Stadium enjoyed free baseball Wednesday night.
Both teams couldn’t muster a run in the first two extra innings, but with the international tie-breaker rule in effect, Washington was able to plate two runs in the top of the 12th inning. Shortstop Ryan Cox sent a liner down the left field line to score tiebreaker rule runner Ramsey Romano to give the Wild Things a 2-1 lead. Left fielder Roman Collins was able to extend the lead to 3-1 with an RBI single just moments later.
Right handerZach Strecker (4-3) entered the game with two outs in the 10th inning for Washington and was able to hold Joliet scoreless in 2.1 innings of work to collect his fourth win of the season. He did not allow a hit, walk or run and struck out two.
Keegan Long (2-4) took the loss in his relief appearance. He threw three complete innings, while giving up two hits and two runs with one run being earned. He struck out two and walked two.
Catcher Kyle Pollock, Harris, and Collins were the lone Wild Things to have multi-hit games as they all collected two hits apiece. Harris, Collins, and Cox all collected an RBI in the win.
Joliet was led by designated hitter Justin Garcia and shortstop Chaz Meadows as they evenly split four hits. Hill was the lone Slammer to collect an RBI.
Washington (42-32) will attempt to sweep the Slammers tomorrow night while Joliet (41-33) looks to tie Washington for first place in the East Division once again with a win on Thursday. The win also guaranteed Washington a season-series win against Joliet in 2018. First pitch in Joliet on Thursday is scheduled for 8:05 p.m.
