Wild Things Battle Late, But Drop Opener 10-9
FLORENCE, Ky. (May 27) - The Washington Wild Things returned to Frontier League play with the 2021 season opener in Florence against the Y'alls Thursday but couldn't quite overcome a deficit that came in the fifth inning, as they fell 10-9 to Florence at Y'alls Ballpark. Washington's catcher, Trevor Casanova, was on base four times, including a home run, as one of the highlights of the day for the Things.
Florence scored on a base hit from Chad Sedio in the first inning before Washington got the homer from Casanova and a two-run shot from right fielder Hector Roa to take a 3-1 lead in the fourth. The lead was short-lived, however, as the Y'alls were able to plate two on a home run by Trevor Craport and a double by Harrison DiNicola.
Washington ended up re-taking the lead in the fifth with three singles to start, a groundout by Grant Heyman to score a run and an infield single and error off Roa's bat that plated two.
The Y'alls scored seven times in the fifth and held a 10-6 lead until the ninth inning, when back-to-back homers by Heyman (two-run shot) and Joe Campagna pulled Washington within one.
Sean Hughes earned the win in relief for the Y'alls while Michael Austin suffered the loss. Johnathon Tripp, despite giving up the three in the ninth, earned a three-inning save.
Casanova finished 2-for-3 with two walks, the home run and a groundout. Roa picked up three hits before exiting the game after pulling up funny trying to stretch a single to a double in the seventh. Andrew Penner had two hits as did Bralin Jackson.
The Wild Things battle Florence again tomorrow at 7:03 p.m. McKenzie Mills will oppose Edgar Martinez in the two-game series finale.
