Wild Things Drop Finale as Comeback Bid Falls 90 Feet Short
PATERSON, NJ (Aug. 2) – The Wild Things, who were mostly stymied by New Jersey Sunday offensively, battled in the ninth, loading the bases down 3-1 and managing a run, but the comeback bid for what could have been win No. 50 on the season fell short in the series finale. The Wild Things fell to New Jersey, 3-2, to cap the road trip at 4-2.
Washington got another quality start from right hander Ben Kowalski, who allowed three runs over six frames. The big swing for New Jersey was a two-run homer by Martin Figueroa in the third that opened the day’s scoring. New Jersey extended its lead on a double play ball in the fifth to 3-0. Kowalski suffered a tough-luck loss after his second straight quality start for the club, good for two in two appearances with the team so far.
The Wild Things scratched across a sixth inning run on a double by Anthony Brocato. His batted ball popped off the third-base bag, hit third baseman Felix Stevens and bounced up the line, allowing Kyle Edwards to score from second to make it 3-1. Washington watched Jeff Liquori and Wagner Lagrange work walks to start the ninth. Lagrange’s walk was drawn after seven two-strike foul balls and on the 13th pitch of the plate appearance. Ryan Ford singled to load the bases before Connor Peek grounded out to third to make it 3-2. Consecutive fly balls by pinch hitter Billy Sullivan and Caleb Ketchup ended the threat, with Washington leaving the tying run at third and the potential go-ahead run at second.
Eldridge Armstrong III and Mack Anglin both worked scoreless frames in relief.
Washington returns home for a big week at EQT Park at 49-23. The Wild Things will host the Down East Bird Dawgs for the weekday series before welcoming in the Evansville Otters over the weekend. Pending the result of game 2 between Windy City and Evansville tonight, Washington will either be up by 6.5 games or 7 games entering the week of play in the Central standings with 30 to go.
First pitch Tuesday is slated for 7:05 p.m. and its Bark in the Park Night presented by Nicole Malesic Realty ONE. It’s also the third $2.50 Tuesday of the year, with the first 250 fans taking home a Little George Washington bobblehead, thanks to Kuhn’s Floor Sanding and Finishing. Gates open at 6 p.m.
The 24th season of Wild Things baseball in the MLB-partnered Frontier League is underway with more great baseball and entertainment to come. For updates, other information and more, visit washingtonwildthings.com or follow the team on social media at facebook.com/WashingtonWildThings or @WashWildThings on other platforms.
Go Wild at washingtonwildthings.com.
