Wild Things Bats Held At Bay in Series Opening Loss to Evansville Friday

WASHINGTON, Pa. (July 6) — The Wild Things' offense couldn't get much going against Evansville Otters’ starting pitcher Tyler Vail, and Washington suffered its sixth loss in nine games, falling 4-0 Friday night at Wild Things Park.

For Washington (28-21), Taylor Bloom's second professional start had a rocky beginning when Evansville (26-21) scored twice in the top of the first. With one out and runners on second and third, a sacrifice fly by right fielder Jeff Gardner drove in second baseman and leadoff hitter David Cronin for the game’s first run. The Otters added on one batter later when first baseman Travis Harrison singled, scoring third baseman Ryan Long to make it 2-0.

Bloom ran into trouble again in the second. After retiring the first two batters of the frame on five pitches, a walk and a double set the stage for Long, who subsequently made it 4-0 with a two-run single.

Those early tallies were all the Otters would need, as Washington’s normally potent offense was kept in check all night.

For Evansville, Vail improved to 2-2, pitching six innings of two-hit, shutout ball despite throwing on short notice and coming off the disabled list for the start. The Otters' scheduled starter, Patrick McGuff, had his contract purchased by the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the day, so Vail ended up being the next man up for Evansville. Vail also struck out eight batters and walked five.

Bloom (0-1) suffered his first loss, allowing four earned runs on seven hits while walking three and hitting a batter over 4.2 innings.

Washington mustered just four hits on the night, two of which came off the bat of right fielder Hector Roa.

On a positive note for the Wild Things, reliever BJ Sabol had a successful professional debut. The former Indiana Hoosier, who was signed yesterday, pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief of Bloom, allowing just one hit and striking out three. Sabol retired 10 of the 11 batters he faced.

The middle contest of the three-game set is scheduled for tomorrow night. Thomas Dorminy (6-2) will start for Washington, opposing Austin Nicely (2-3). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.