Wild Things Drop Opener to Freedom
WASHINGTON, Pa. (May 22) - The Wild Things dropped their second series opener at home in a row today to Florence, falling 17-3 at the hands of the Freedom. Centerfielder Saige Jenco drove home two, while catcher Lucas Herbert had an RBI in the loss.
It's the fifth-straight loss for Washington, who saw the deficit grow quickly, early. Starter Michael Austin worked six innings, but allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits with six strikeouts. Florence centerfielder Andre Mercurio hit a two-run homer in the first to make it 2-0.
The Freedom would then score one in the third and two in the fourth in the time working against Austin. Washington's first run came in on an RBI single by Jenco in the third.
Making his Wild Things' debut, right hander Dan Hlad was tagged with six runs on three hits and three walks in the seventh. Tyler Barss allowed two runs on two hits and three walks in 1.2 innings. BJ Sabol was hit with four runs without recording an out. Mick Fennell recorded the final three outs on the mound.
In total, the Wild Things walked 13 opposing batters.
Washington got a run on a fielder's choice by Jenco in the eighth and a run in the ninth when JJ Fernandez, who had doubled earlier in the frame, scored on a single by Lucas Herbert.
The two teams will play two games tomorrow at Wild Things Park on Past and Present Night and Thirst-Tee Thursday. First pitch for game one is slated for 6:05 p.m.
