Wild Things Take Opener 8-2, Win 800th Game in Franchise History

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich, - The Washington Wild Things (51-42) defeated the Traverse City Beach Bums (36-57), using a seven-run ninth inning to win their 800th game in franchise history tonight, Friday, September 1.

The two teams traded zeros for the better part of the game, as both starters worked several scoreless frames. Traverse City’s Brian Bayliss took the loss despite going 8.1 innings of three-run ball. He gave up five hits and the winning run and struck out six. Chase Cunningham started for the Wild Things and went seven innings, yielding four hits and one run with four walks and two strikeouts. Jake Eaton and Zach Strecker pitched in relief, along with Davis Adkins, who threw five pitches en route to being the winning pitcher in the 800th franchise win.

Traverse City scored in the first inning after loading the bases to start the game. A fielder’s choice scored their run in the first, before Washington managed to tie things in the third inning on an RBI single by second baseman Kyle Reese that plated third baseman Mike Hill.

The zeros would continue to be put up until the ninth, when the Wild Things plated seven runs. Designated hitter James Harris tripled to start the inning before scoring on a batted ball by left fielder Bralin Jackson. The Wild Things added a run on a balk and added five more after that, taking a 8-1 lead into the bottom half.

The Beach Bums plated a run against Strecker in their half, before falling in the series opener, 8-2.

The win, as mentioned, marks a milestone in Wild Things’ franchise history, and the two teams get set for a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 5:05 p.m. The Wild Things’ magic number for a playoff spot is two, meaning they can clinch tomorrow, Saturday, September 2, with two wins or a win and a Windy City loss to the Schaumburg Boomers.