Washington Wins Middle Game Behind Big 7th
WASHINGTON, Pa. (July 6) - Immaculate vibes filled Wild Things Park on Jimmy Buffett Night as Tommy Caufield reached base four times, Washington scored four in the seventh and both Ethan Wilder and Carson Clowers notched two-RBI nights as the Washington Wild Things defeated the Windy City ThunderBolts, 7-3, on Saturday night at Wild Things Park.
Outfielder Brandon McIlwain got the offense started for the Wild Things as he launched a triple into the right-center field gap to lead off the bottom of the second. The triple was his first extra-base hit on the Wild Things after he signed with the team earlier in the week. Following the three bagger, McIlwain scored thanks to an RBI groundout from Ethan Wilder to give the Things a 1-0 lead.
Washington pushed its advantage to 3-0 in the bottom of the third inning. With one out, Tommy Caufield took first on a hit by pitch before Andrew Czech and McIlwain singled to load the bases. Wilder tacked on his second RBI of the night with a hit to left center, scoring Caufield and loading the bases once more. Ricardo Sanchez struck out but reached first on a wild pitch, bringing home Czech before the out on the dropped third strike could be made at home.
Windy City got on the board in the top of the sixth with two runs. Emmanuel Sanchez led off the inning with a double to left field before a fielder’s choice ground out sent him back to the dugout with Christian Kuzemka reaching first. Henry Kusiak singled to right to put runners on first and second. On the following at bat, Brennen Dorighi hit a grounder to first, but a throwing error from Czech, who was trying to turn two, scored both runners and sent to Dorighi to second. Fregio struck out the next batter then forced a flyout to get out of the inning with just one earned run.
Dariel Fregio returned from a quick stint on the injured list for his first start since June 27th and first at Wild Things Park since June 8th. Despite the stint, he came out the gates firing as he struck out five batters through the first three innings before striking out seven total through six innings of work. In all, he allowed two runs with only one earned on six hits with two walks.
Tommy Caufield led off the bottom of the seventh inning with a double off the right field wall to give the Wild Things a prime opportunity to extend the 3-2 lead. Caufield reached third thanks to a passed ball but could not score in the next two at bats after a strikeout and groundout directly at the pitcher. Following a Czech walk, Robert Chayka lined a single into center field to score Caufield and extend the lead to 4-2. Later in the inning, JC Santini delivered a walk before Carson Clowers cleared the bases with a double down the right field line. Two runs scored on the double before an error by the catcher added a third to break the game open and give Washington a 7-2 lead.
Alex Carrillo entered in the eighth from the Wild Things bullpen. The righty reliever fanned the first two batters he faced before allowing a walk and back-to-back singles with the last one being an RBI for Armando Albert.
Justin Goossen-Brown entered the game in the top of the ninth inning to face the heart of the Windy City order protecting the 7-3 lead. Goossen-Brown retired all three batters he faced with a pop out and two groundouts to finish out the game and secure a series victory for the Wild Things.
Caufield was the offensive star for the Wild Things, recording a double, single, walk and hit by pitch. McIlwain was the other batter with a multi-hit performance, mashing a triple and a single. Wilder and Clowers drove in two runs apiece. Plus, co-author Michael Giorgianni caught a foul ball that was sent into the press box.
The Wild Things look to sweep the ThunderBolts tomorrow in the series finale on a Kids Eat Free Sunday presented by Blueprints and Superhero Night presented by CHROME FCU. The first 500 kids 12 and under will receive a Wild Thing Mascot Bank. First pitch
at Wild Things Park is set for 5:35 p.m. It’s also Legacies Alive family day. Pregame will feature several presentations, a special national anthem performance and a flyover during the anthem by the 911th Airlift Wing.
