Florence, KY – The Washington Wild Things (18-14), presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, recorded another loss on the road, falling 12-0 to the Florence Freedom (13-20). The game went underway after an hour rain delay. With the win, the Freedom snapped a six-game losing streak.

The scoring began in the bottom of the second. Tim Grogan hit a solo home run (2) to right field off of Wild Things starter J.J. Hollenbeck. It was Grogan’s tenth RBI of the season. Florence starter Nick Dunning (1-0) was able to keep the Wild Things from getting anything going, allowing only one hit through four innings.

The Freedom added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth. Hollenbeck gave up three straight base hits. The third hit by Josh Lex brought home a run to move the deficit to two runs. Joe Holland hit a bases-clearing double to make the score 5-0. Florence catcher Eddie Gonzalez brought Holland home with a triple. That put the Wild Things in a 6-0 hole and ended Hollenbeck’s night. The Freedom ended the inning up 7-0.

The offense stalled for both teams in the middle innings. The Wild Things couldn’t record a hit against Dunning after the fourth. Michael Hauff came on for the Wild Things and was able to keep the Freedom from doing much. He pitched two innings and gave up no runs.

The Wild Things were able to load the bases in the top of the seventh. However, designated hitter Mario Garza struck out on a full count to end the inning.

The Freedom threatened again in the bottom of the eighth. Relief pitcher Jeff Michael came on walked the first three batters to load the bases. Gonzalez recorded his second RBI of the night. The Freedom brought home two more runs after that to put the Freedom up by double digits, 10-0. Reggie Watson brought Gonzalez home to put the Wild Things 11 runs back.

The Freedom weren’t done. Grogan recorded another RBI in the bottom of the eighth. That hit put Florence up by a dozen. That would be the last run scored in the game for the Freedom.

Dunning was given the chance to complete the game himself. He struck out the first batter giving him seven strikeouts on the night. He was only a strike away before giving up a walk and being relived. The bases were loaded on walks and shortstop brought home two runs to avoid the shutout.

Florence hosts the Wild Things again on Wednesday. Washington returns to CONSOL Energy Park Friday to take on the Slippery Rock Sliders at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Wild Things box office at 724-250-9555.