FL Washington Wild Things

Stephens Slams Wild Things To Sweep In Front of Sold-Out Crowd

Published on July 30, 2010 under Frontier League (FL)
Washington Wild Things News Release


Washington, Pa. - In three at-bats with the bases loaded this season, Eric Stephens was hitless. His luck turned around Friday. Stephens took a 3-2 offering from Lake Erie start Jon Durket deep into the night over the right centerfield wall for a grand slam, sending a sellout crowd at CONSOL Energy Park into a frenzy, as the Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Financial, coasted to a 6-2 victory, completing a series sweep of the Crushers and a 5-1 home stand.

Stephens' grand slam was part of a five-run third inning. Durket surrendered six hits in the inning after the Crushers had taken a 1-0 lead in the top of the frame. John Delaney walked in front of Stephens to load the bases before the grand slam, the fourth for the Wild Things this season. Michael Parker has one and Jacob Dempsey has two. Lake Erie has given up a league-high 60 home runs to opposing batters.

Luis Rivera drove in the Wild Things' first run with an RBI single. Wilson Matos capped the scoring, plating Mark McGonigle with a single.

Parker helped pace the Wild Things offense with a 3-for-4 night, including two stolen bases. He was the only Washington player with a multi-hit night. Every Wild Thing reached base safely in the game.

The Crushers tried to get back into the game in the seventh inning. Pinch-hitter Arden McWilliams reached on a single with one out. Dom Duggan then drove him in with an RBI triple down the right field line.

The next batter, Jodam Rivera, tried to lay down a suicide squeeze bunt, but Billy O'Conner jumped out from behind the plate, grabbed the ball, and tagged out Duggan sliding in to home. O'Conner then threw out Rivera trying to advance to second, completing the double play and putting an end to the inning.

Washington start Justin Edwards went six innings in his second win of the season. He fanned seven batters, including four in the first two innings. Ben Rodewald, Chris Bennett and Eryk McConnell kept the Crushers at bay to finish the game.

The series sweep is the fourth for the Wild Things this season. They improve to 27-35 on the season. The Crushers fall to 30-32.

The Wild Things travel to Livonia, Mich., for a doubleheader against the Oakland County Cruisers on Saturday. Game One begins at 4 p.m. and will air on WJPA 1450 AM beginning at 3:50 p.m., and Game Two coverage will air on WJPA 95.3 FM.

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Frontier League Stories from July 30, 2010


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