Washington No Hit Through 6.2 Innings, Wins Middle Game of Series Against Joliet

WASHINGTON, Pa. (July 25) - After a slow start at the plate, the Wild Things were able to deliver a 2-1 victory in front of the home crowd. Catcher Kyle Pollock’s bases-loaded walk with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning proved to be the difference maker in the come-from-behind win. Washington (33-29) was no-hit until there were two outs in the seventh inning, but managed to get back to four game over and forced a rubber game.

Starting pitcher Michael Austin (0-2) tossed seven innings in which he only gave up three hits and one unearned run. He also struck out nine batters before being relieved by newly acquired pitcher Kellen Croce (1-0).

In Croce’s Wild Things’ debut, the left-hander tossed one scoreless inning and struck out the side before being relieved by closer Zach Strecker.

Early in the game Joliet (35-27) opened up the scoring on an RBI single by designated hitter Justin Garcia to take a 1-0 lead.

Washington wouldn’t start its comeback until the seventh inning when third baseman Ryan Cox recorded the team’s second hit of the night and his first professional RBI for the Wild Things when he knocked in designated hitter Reydel Medina to tie the game at one. Earlier in the inning, after being no-hit through 6.2 innings, Medina doubled to break up the bid by Joliet starter Cory Kimber.

In the eighth inning the Wild Things loaded the bases to knock Kimber out of the game and force Joliet to bring in reliever Nathan Antone. Pollock worked an eight-pitch walk and brought in shortstop Brett Marr to make it 2-1 in favor of Washington.

This would be last run of the game as Zach Strecker would take the mound and delivered his 13th save of the year.

Washington is set for action tomorrow in the rubber game of the series against the Slammers. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.