Wild Things Sweep Joliet in Tight Finale
WASHINGTON, Pa. (August 31) – Washington earned its second sweep of the 2023 season and first since the first home series of the year, by swiping the series finale from Joliet, 3-2 at Wild Things Park Thursday night to round out August.
It came at a price elsewhere in the league, however, as Evansville defeated Gateway to salvage a game in their four-game series in Sauget. The Otters clinched third place in the West and a playoff berth, which officially eliminates Washington from playoff contention.
Joliet started the scoring in the third inning with an RBI single from Liam McArthur against Washington starter Zach Kirby. The Wild Things’ righty worked five innings of one-run ball and allowed four hits with five strikeouts. He didn’t get a decision, as he’s now pitched 34.1 innings over his last six starts with just two runs of support from the bats.
The lack of support was flipped in the sixth when Anthony Brocato launched a two-run, opposite field homer to right, his 28th of the season. The homer made it 2-1 Washington after Justin Goossen-Brown had thrown a scoreless top of the sixth. The Wild Things added a run after Goose’s second scoreless frame in the seventh on an RBI single by Caleb McNeely, which plated Carson Clowers after his double.
Christian James was charged with his second earned run since the start of July in the eighth inning of the contest. In the ninth, Lukas Young earned his 14th save with a 1-2-3 frame, ending the game.
The Wild Things will host Windy City this weekend in the final three games of the 2023 season. First pitch on Fireworks Friday is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, September 1.
Promotional info and tickets for all three remaining games can be found out www.washingtonwildthings.com.
