Washington Produces Fireworks Early, Holds on For Win on Fourth
WASHINGTON, Pa. (July 4) – In a matchup where the Washington Wild Things led by as much as eight, the Windy City ThunderBolts mounted a comeback that fell short in the ninth inning, as Washington defeated Windy City 9-8 in the first of six straight at home.
The Wild Things (20-26) are now on a three-game winning streak, as they open up with a win against the ThunderBolts (20-26) to continue a nine-game homestand.
Starting pitcher Justin Showalter was awarded the win for the Wild Things, tossing 6.1 innings, allowing 10 hits, five earned runs and fanning five. He improved to a 4-1 record on the season. Windy City starter Adrien Reese was assessed the loss after five innings, six earned runs, two walks and five strikeouts.
Washington jumped out to its eight-run lead in the first two frames at the plate, as outfielder Wagner Lagrange hammered a two-run home run in the first inning to start off the scoring. First baseman Andrew Czech also blasted a home run in the first frame, a solo homer that made the lead 3-0 for the Wild Things.
In the second inning, it was a two-RBI double for Lagrange to clear the bases, and then after a plethora of walks by the Reese, designated hitter Tristian Peterson was hit by a pitch and Tommy Caufield and Robert Chayka singled to add on to the advantage, making it 8-0 after two innings.
After five scoreless innings in the game, the ThunderBolts blew up in the seventh, scoring five in one frame against the Washington bullpen, with a two-RBI double by second baseman Jake Boone followed by two more RBI on a triple from shortstop Carson Matthews.
Although Windy City scored two runs in the eighth off an RBI double from infielder Troy Viola and one on an RBI double from outfielder Will Riley to make the contest much closer, Washington’s closer Lukas Young finished out the series-opening victory and picked up his fifth save of the season: a four-out save.
Washington will host Windy City for the second game of the series on Wednesday, which is Senior Slugger Wednesday at Wild Things Park, presented by AARP Pennsylvania. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. as the Wild Things look to win the series.
