Crushers Outlast Wild Things in 13 Innings: 9-6

The Washington Wild Things opened their 15th season of Frontier League Baseball Friday night at CONSOL Energy Park when the nearly 3000 fans in attendance were treated to a brass band, juggler, face painters, fireworks and more.

The season-opening ceremonies included team owner Stuart Williams along with area officials including PA Senator Camera Bartolotta, Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi, and Washington County Commissioner Harlan Shober recognized CONSOL Energy as a great friend of both the Washington Wild Things and the local community. Williams thanked CONSOL for their support over the past 15 years.

After a ceremonial pitch from the State Senator, the Wild Things and the Crushers got underway. The score remained tied at one after nine innings of baseball. Lake Erie was able to outlast Washington after 13 innings by a score of 9-6!

Washington got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning when Jamal Austin hit a single, driving in Alex McKeon in to score. Lake Erie answered that run the following inning when Will Beckwith hit a solo home run.

The game went to extra innings and remained tied through the 10th. In the 11th inning, the international tiebreak rules went into effect. Lake Erie scored one run in the top of the 11th and Washington answered with their own run when Jamal Austin, who went three-for-four and was a main offensive threat all night, drove in Justin Fox to keep the score tied.

In the 12th inning Lake Erie managed to score four runs, but Washington would not surrender, and plated four of their own.

Lake Erie’s bats outlasted Washington when in the 13th they added three unanswered runs.

The Wild Things will host Lake Erie for game two of the three-game set Saturday when first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M. EDT. The first 1000 fans will receive a T-Shirt, courtesy of Mylan. For tickets, visit the box office at CONSOL Energy Park or call 724.250.9555.

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