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FL Washington Wild Things

Wild Things Hang on to Beat Crushers in 15 Innings

August 4, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Washington Wild Things News Release


Washington, PA - Pitching took center stage at CONSOL Energy Park, as the Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Financial, outlasted the Lake Erie Crushers 2-1 in 15 innings. Jim Vahalik brought home Andrew Heck earned the 2-1 walk-off victory.

Gary Lee, the starter for the Wild Things, took a perfect game into the seventh inning. Consistency and command were the keys for Lee, with 20 of 27 first pitch strikes. Lee allowed only one run on two hits in his eight innings of work, but picked up a no decision.

Pitching has been key for Washington this series, as starter Casey Barnes shined in the series opener. Barnes allowed only two runs on two hits in his seven innings of work. Barnes also did not allow a base runner until the fifth inning, picking up his fourth victory of the season.

J.C Figueroa picked up the first hit for the Crushers last night, and broke up the no-hitter again in this contest. Figueroa singled with one out in the top of the seventh to give Lake Erie their first base runner. Figueroa wouldn't stay there long, as Lee induced a 1-6-3 double play by Daniel Bowman to end the inning Josh Hungerman countered with an impressive outing of his own, allowing only one run on four hits. Hungerman also added nine strikeouts in his six innings of work, but also earned a no decision in his effort.

Washington was able to figure out Hungerman in the bottom of the fifth, picking up the first run of the game to take a 1-0 lead. Michael Bando ripped a two-out single to left, scoring Shain Stoner from second base. It was Bando's 12th RBI of the season.

Although the bats were quiet, Bando went 2-for-2 with two singles along with the RBI. Stoner also chipped in with a solid night at the plate. Stoner was able to reach base three times, going 2-for-3 with two singles and a walk.

Lake Erie finally got one on the board in the top of the eighth inning, as Andrew Davis smashed a solo shot over the right field fence. It was Davis' seventh home run of the season, and tied the game at 1-1.

In the bottom of the eighth, Brad Agustin led off with a sharply hit single up the middle. Bando followed Agustin, sacrificing him into scoring position. Reliever Mickey Jannis was able to escape the threat by retiring the next two batters.

Orlando Santos entered the game in the ninth, and pitched a perfect inning of work to keep the game tied going into the bottom of the ninth.

The Crushers sent their closer, Jonathan Kountis, to the mound in the bottom of the ninth. Kountis responded and added a perfect ninth, sending the game to extras.

Both teams went down quietly in the tenth, moving the game to the eleventh inning. That pattern continued, all the way to the 15th inning.

In the bottom of the 15th, Washington set the table with runners on first and second with one out. Jim Vahalik hit a soft grounder to second and Lake Erie attempted to get the double play. Vahalik beat the throw from shortstop Andrew Davis, which allowed Andrew Heck to hustle from third to home to score the game winning run. Reliever Alfonso Yevoli picked up the win and Travis Risser suffered the loss.

The Wild Things will face off against the Lake Erie Crushers for the series finale tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. The Wild Things will then head out to Illinois to face the Normal CornBelters on August 7th- 10th. Tickets can be purchased for tomorrow night's contest by visiting the CONSOL Energy Park box office, at www.washingtonwildthings.com or by calling 1-866- WILD.

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