Comeback Effort Falls Short For Washington Tuesday
WASHINGTON, Pa. (June 18) - Ryan Long's three-run home run in the seventh inning was the difference in the ballgame Tuesday between Evansville and Washington, as it gave the Otters a 5-4 lead late, and helped put away the Wild Things, ending their win streak at three games. Washington was able to put the tying run on in each of the final three frames, but was unable to complete the comeback, as they fell for the first time when leading after six innings.
Evansville's David Cronin got the scoring started in the third inning with a sac fly against Washington starter AJ Bogucki, who would eventually give up a home run in the sixth to Rob Calabrese that broke a 1-1 tie. Washington had scored on an RBI single by JJ Fernandez in the fourth inning of the game.
The Wild Things then responded to the Calabrese solo shot, and Bogucki's quality start of six innings of two-run ball, with three runs in the home half of the sixth. Mikael Mogues hit his fifth home run of the year, this one of the two-run variety, to give the Things a 3-2 lead before Cody Erickson singled home Hector Roa, who had reached on an error. The Wild Things had runners on second and third with nobody out, but were unable to push more across.
Long's home run gave the Otters the one-run lead in the seventh. Washington had the tying run on in each of the final three innings, but the pen arms of the visitors shut the door, dropping the Wild Things to 0-9 in one-run contests this season.
The two teams will meet again tomorrow for the middle game. Right-handed pitcher Tyler Vail will work for the Otters and be opposed by Washington's Michael Austin. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m at Wild Things Park.
