
Wild Things Take One-Run Game In Opener Against Bolts
July 5, 2024 - Frontier League (FL)
Washington Wild Things News Release
WASHINGTON, Pa. - Despite being out-hit 13 to five, the Washington Wild Things won the series opener at home against the Windy City Thunderbolts by a score of 4-3. Fans were also treated to a night of baseball and fireworks for the second day in a row.
The Thunderbolts took the early 1-0 lead in the top of the third with a Joey Grabanski ground ball that made its way into right field, which scored Brennen Dorighi from second.
After two innings without a hit, Washington responded when JC Santini hit a bomb to left for a lead-off home run, making the score 1-1. The Wild Things were not done as Carson Clowers was hit by a pitch, which brought up Caleb McNeely. He hit a deep shot to left center field that left the ballpark and extended the lead to 3-1. It was McNeely's 11th home run, which ties him for the most home runs in the Frontier League.
In the top of the fifth Dorighi hit a solo shot to right field cutting the Wild Things lead 3-2. Kirby then struck out two and gave up a single to Grabanski. Santini threw Grabanski out at second on a steal attempt to end the inning.
Santini would continue his stellar game in the bottom of the fifth as he hit a lead-off single. Clowers would then advance Santini to third on a drive to left center field that resulted in a double. Both Santini and Clowers would advance on a McNeely sacrifice fly, giving the Wild Things another run to make it a 4-2 game. It was the 51st RBI of the year for the 2024 Frontier League All Star, which leads the league.
Wild Things starter Zach Kirby, who was named a Frontier League All Star today, went 5.2 innings, giving up two runs on nine hits with four strikeouts. Kirby continues his excellent season, as he has a 2.46 ERA after this game, which is good for second in the league. He went to 5-4 on the season with the win.
Brendan Nail came in relief for Kirby at the end of the top sixth and pitched 1.1 innings, accumulating two strikeouts and allowing one hit.
Justin Goosen-Brown then came in relief in the top of the eighth inning. Goosen-Brown yielded three hits and one run, but his teammate Christian James came in and ended the inning. James pitched 1.2 innings, striking out every batter he faced in a dominant relief effort. He earned the save, his second.
The Wild Things will be back tomorrow to face the ThunderBolts in game two of the series. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.
• Discuss this story on the Frontier League message board...
Frontier League Stories from July 5, 2024
- Late Rally Lifts Titans over Slammers - Joliet Slammers
- Florence Drowns in New York - Florence Y'alls
- Grizzlies Come Back to Win Third Straight Game - Gateway Grizzlies
- Neil Uskali & the Offensive Lift New England to Series Opener Victory - New England Knockouts
- Early Errors Plague Otters in Series Opener - Evansville Otters
- Grizzlies Come Back to Win Third Straight Game - Gateway Grizzlies
- Four Late Unanswered Runs Help Titans Stun Slammers - Ottawa Titans
- Wild Things Take One-Run Game In Opener Against Bolts - Washington Wild Things
- Joyce Sets Record as Boomers Fall in Roadtrip Opener - Schaumburg Boomers
- Bolts Fall to Washington - Windy City ThunderBolts
- Ruiz Delivers Eight Strong Frames to Extend 'Cats Win Streak to Seven Games - Tri-City ValleyCats
- Pindel Named West Division All-Star - Windy City ThunderBolts
- Oscar Campos Named to Frontier League East All-Star Team - Tri-City ValleyCats
- Four Grizzlies Named 2024 All-Stars - Gateway Grizzlies
- Eight Boulders Named Frontier League All-Stars - New York Boulders
- Florence Earns Four All-Star Selections - Florence Y'alls
- John Cristino Named to Frontier League All-Star Game & Starting Catcher - New England Knockouts
- Four Boomers Named to All-Star Game; Three to Start - Schaumburg Boomers
- Frontier League All-Stars Announced - FL
- Mendham Named 2024 Frontier League All-Star - Evansville Otters
- FL Recap - FL
- Grizzlies Outslug Knockouts in 4th of July Showcase - New England Knockouts
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Washington Wild Things Stories
- Tyler Wehrle Newest Addition to Wild Things Pitching Staff
- Wild Things Sign OF Kadon Morton, Former Braves Farmhand
- Wild Things Sign Former 2nd Round Pick Sammy Infante
- Wild Things Announce 2025 Promo Schedule
- Wild Things Ink Former Black Bears OF Jeff Liquori to First Pro Contract

