FL Washington Wild Things

Wild Things Fall in Extra Innings

June 25, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Washington Wild Things News Release


Washington, PA - Nine innings were not enough, for the Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Financial,who fell to the Lake Erie Crushers by a final score of 3-2 in ten innings.

Washington grabbed the lead early, when left fielder Andrew Heck smashed

a leadoff homerun in the bottom of the first inning. Heck's first homerun of the season gave the Wild Things a quick 1-0 lead.

Heck, who went 2-for-3 on the night, was hot at the Plate all evening. The Pittsburgh, PA native has gone .435 (10-for-23) in his last six games, adding four RBI and four runs.

Starter Casey Barnes exceled on the mound, allowing no runs on four hits and two walks. Barnes also added six strikeouts in his six innings of work.

Pitching proved to be strong for both teams until the seventh inning.

In the top of the seventh inning, Lake Erie combined for three straight doubles, plating two runs in the efforts.

The Crushers took the lead, 2-1.

Lake Erie's lead, however, would not last long. Catcher Rick Devereaux hammered a solo shot over the right field wall to lead off the bottom of the seventh. It was Devereaux's second homerun on the year, noting the game at 2.

Newly acquired reliever Chandler Barnard made his first appearance as a Wild Thing, allowing only two hits in his three innings of work. Barnard, who also added four strikeouts, joined the Wild Things after spending time with the River City Rascals.

In the top of the tenth inning, reliever Steven Grife hit shortstop Wally Correa with the bases loaded, allowing the Crushers to take a 3-2 lead.

The Wild Thing, however, wouldn't go down without a fight. First baseman

Michael Bando drew a one-out walk to get the tying run on first. Bando went on to swipe second, his third stolen base of the season, and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Brian Erie. Reliever Jonathan Kountis held tough, getting Andrew Heck to fly out to seal the win for the Crushers.

Center fielder Tanner Leighton, who was signed earlier today, went 3-for-4 in his debut for the Wild Things. Leighton was a homerun shy of a cycle in his first professional appearance. Leighton spent two years at Master's College, where he led the team in stolen bases (31) and runs scored (45) in his senior season.

The Wild Things will embark on a six-game road trip after a day off tomorrow. They will visit Traverse City followed by London. First pitch is set for 7:05 on Wednesday, and Randy Gore has pregame coverage on your flagship station for Wild Things baseball on WJPA at 6:55. The Wild Things will return home on July 3rd for a three game series against Rockford. Tickets are available for the three game series at the CONSOL Energy Park box office, www.washingtonwildthings.com or by calling 1-866-WILD.

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Frontier League Stories from June 25, 2012


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