Washington Wins on Walk-Off Single by Cael Chatham
WASHINGTON, Pa. (July 8) - The Washington Wild Things defeated the Evansville Otters in extra innings, winning 6–5 after a rain-filled day that included two delays. Cael Chatham sealed the victory with a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 10th.
Evansville got on the board first in the top of the third inning. Ellis Schwartz doubled and David Mendham followed with an RBI single to give the Otters a 1-0 lead. Pavin Parks extended that lead in the fourth with a two-run home run, making it 3-0. After the second rain delay of the day, the Otters added another run to go up 4-0.
Washington finally broke through in the bottom of the fourth thanks to Wagner Lagrange, who launched a solo home run to get the Wild Things on the board. That blast ignited Washington's offense, which had been quiet until that point.
The Wild Things tied the game in the sixth. Jake Houtz, making his professional debut, recorded his first career hit with a single. Cael Chatham followed with a double, and Houtz scored on an error by the Otters' right fielder. Marshall Awtry reached on a sacrifice fielder’s choice and Robert Chayka brought Chatham home with a sac fly. Andrew Czech then doubled to drive in another run, making it a 4-4 ballgame.
In the seventh, the Wild Things threatened again. Chayka was hit by a pitch, Carlos Amezquita singled, and a balk advanced both runners. Lagrange drew a walk to load the bases for Czech, who delivered a sacrifice fly to give Washington a 5-4 lead.
Evansville responded in the top of the eighth with a run to tie the game at 5-5.
In the 10th, the Otters threatened with two runners on, but reliever Andrew Herbert pitched a strong inning to hold them scoreless. In the bottom half, Jeff Liqouri advanced to third and left the game with an injury. Tyler Young replaced him. Chatham delivered a clutch walk-off single to bring in Young and secure the 6–5 victory for Washington.
The middle game of the series takes place Wednesday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. It will be another Senior Slugger Program Wednesday presented by AARP Pennsylvania, and fans can also enjoy Dollar Dogs, courtesy of Berks Foods. Tickets are available at washingtonwildthings.com.
