Wild Things Suffer Walk Off Defeat in Sudden Death
WASHINGTON, Pa. (Aug. 5) – The Washington Wild Things were walked off in a nail biter with the Down East Bird Dawgs in sudden death by the score of 9-6.
The Wild Things had chances to score early but couldn’t seem to cash in, leaving nine runners on base through the first five innings. The offensive surge came in the bottom of the sixth for the Things, as they plated four runs in the frame.
The Bird Dawgs opened the scoring with a two-out RBI double in the top of the third inning from Christian Adams. In the bottom half of the inning the Wild Things responded as Brocato roped a ball that the Bird Dawgs third baseman couldn’t handle, allowing Conner Peek to score.
Drew Stegura made his third professional start tonight for the Wild Things, pitching well through the first five innings before giving up a three spot in the sixth, giving the Bird Dawgs a 5-1 lead. In five innings and change, Stegura finished allowing 10 hits and five runs (all earned) with one walk and three strikeouts on 87 pitches. Stegura received a no decision in today’s contest. Colt Anderson came on in relief of Stegura throwing two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, a walk and a single set the table for Ryan Ford, who knocked in a run with a bullet to left field. Later in the inning, Wild Things slugger Andrew Czech belted a three-run home run to tie the game at 5-5.
After giving up a leadoff hit in the top of the ninth inning, Wild Things closer Landon Ginn struck out the side to move into the bottom half of the inning tied, but the Wild Things failed to score, pushing the game to extras.
The Bird Dawgs would take the lead in the top of the 10th, scoring the automatic runner on a single up the middle. They would only get one though, as Caleb Ketchup gunned down a runner at home for the second time in the game, with his first outfield assist coming in the top of the fourth.
The Wild Things would tie the game in the bottom of the 10th, as Ryan Ford bunted the automatic runner to third base before an infield RBI single by Billy Sullivan that scored Antonio Monroy. A tremendous diving stop by Bird Dawgs second baseman Trey Law sent the game into sudden death. The Wild Things elected to play the field and Bird Dawgs’ Christian Adams continued his great night, capping it off with a three-run walk off home run.
The Wild Things will look to win the rubber match in the three-game series against the Bird Dawgs Thursday night: first pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.
The 24th season of Wild Things baseball in the MLB-partnered Frontier League is underway with more great baseball and entertainment to come. For updates, other information and more, visit washingtonwildthings.com or follow the team on social media at facebook.com/WashingtonWildThings or @WashWildThings on other platforms.
Go Wild at washingtonwildthings.com.
