Washington Hands Lake Erie their First Loss of the Season

Washington, PA – The Washington Wild Things emerged victorious in a 4-2 final against the Lake Erie Crushers on Saturday at CONSOL Energy Park. Wild Things pitcher Matt Fraudin (1-0) picked up his first win of the season, while Crushers pitcher Mike Devine (2-1) was charged with the loss.

Fraudin finished the day with a 1.04 ERA and seven strike outs in six innings of play, solidifying him as Washington’s second leader in strikeouts for the 2016 season.

The Lake Erie Crushers (6-1) came into the game as the Frontier League’s only unbeaten team. The Crushers got out to an early lead in the top of the first on a Jose Barraza solo home run, giving them a 1-0 lead. Washington tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the 5th when a wild pitch from Crushers pitcher Steve Hagen scored Wild Things left fielder Andrew Heck.

Washington’s bats continued to score in the 6th when Ricky Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly allowing second baseman Justin Fox to score and give Washington a 2-1 lead. In the 7th Washington would score two more runs with Andrew Heck crushing a triple to drive Jimmy Yezzo home. Justin Fox then hit a single to bring Heck home, extending the lead to 4-1. The Crushers managed to add a late run in the top of the 9th but could not overcome the Washington lead.

The Wild Things will host Lake Erie for the rubber match of the series, Sunday at CONSOL Energy Park. First pitch is at 5:05 PM E.D.T. Sunday is also Bark in the Park; fans are invited to bring their dogs to the park (along with proof of current vaccination). For tickets visit the box office at CONSOL Energy Park or call 724 250 9555.

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