Washington, PA – The Washington Wild Things (17-13), presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, suffered a loss at the hands of the Evansville Otters (16-15) on Saturday night as they fell 7-6.

The Otters came out strong scoring in the first inning when centerfielder Zack Pace scored from second base on a one-out double by Ryan Bethel. Cody Montgomery immediately followed the at-bat with a double of his own to score Bethel from second and give the Otters a 2-0 lead after a half inning.

The Otters continued their offensive tangent in the second inning. After reaching with a single, Otters catcher Tom Pennino scored on a double to left field by Kyle Smith. Ryan Bethel followed with his own double to score Smith and increase their lead to 4-0.

The Wild Things would make things interesting in the bottom of the third inning when Kyle Werman scored on a fielder’s choice hit by Jarod Rine with the bases loaded. Then, with two men on and two men out Nathan Messner erased the Otter’s lead with his sixth home run of the season to tie the game at four a piece.

The Otters would once again take the lead in the top of the seventh inning when Zack Pace scored on Ryan Bethel’s double off of Wild Things reliever Justin Mattison. Bethel’s double put the Otter’s on top 5-4.

The Otters tacked on two more runs in the top of the ninth when Matt Edwards hit a two out double with the bases loaded to put the Otters on top 7-4.

The Wild Things would threaten once again in the bottom of the ninth inning. After two singles and a walk off Otters closer Mike Bille, Jarod Rine would come through with a base hit to drive in two more runs and cut the deficit to one. Unfortunately, the Wild Things would come up just short of tying the game.

Wild Things starter Aaron Ledbetter (4-0) struggled in his first two innings of work, surrendering four runs, but was able to settle down as he would go on to pitch six innings.

The Wild Things close out their series with the Evansville Otters at CONSOL Energy Park on Sunday night at 6:35 p.m. For tickets, call the Wild Things box office at 724-250-9555.