Washington Comeback Falls Short Tuesday at Joliet
JOLIET, Il. (August 13) - The Wild Things plated four runs in the eighth inning after trailing 5-4, but couldn't manage to tie the game or take the lead late in the series opener at Joliet Tuesday, as they fell 5-4. Michael Austin took the loss, despite allowing just two earned runs (five total) in seven innings of work.
Joliet scored a run in the second, third and sixth innings before plating two in the seventh. The final three runs for the Slammers were unearned against the line of Michael Austin, who allowed two earned runs or fewer for the ninth time in his last 10 starts. He took the loss though, falling to 5-8.
Washington managed back-to-back hits in the eighth after entering the frame with just one hit to start the inning. A fielder's choice grounder back to Daren Osby caught JJ Fernandez between third and home, but he'd score the first Wild Things' run on an obstruction call against Osby during the rundown. A wild pitch scored the next run before Ryan Cox and JR Davis knocked in a run apiece to bring it to a one-run deficit.
The Wild Things were unable to plate the tying run despite having it on with two outs in the eighth and twice in the ninth. One of the times involved Hector Roa reaching on an error before being thrown out trying to go to second on the throw by first. Shaine Hughes then singled with two outs but went no farther.
Washington and Joliet now turn to the series' middle game, which will be played tomorrow at DuPage Medical Group Field at 8:05 p.m. ET. Righty Wes Albert starts for Joliet and will be opposed by Wild Things' lefty Nick Wegmann.
