Washington Sweeps Doubleheader

WASHINGTON, Pa. (Aug. 10) - Washington swept the double header Saturday against Windy City by scores of 4-3 and 5-0, respectively. Both games saw solid pitching from both Wild Things' starters. Michael Austin (1-2) tossed six innings while only giving up three hits, one walk and two runs. Austin also struck out four batters over his six innings. In game two, Jake Belinda (1-0) made his first start for the Wild Things and picked up the victory. Belinda tossed five scoreless innings while only letting up two hits, two walks and struck out six batters, as the Wild Things swept the doubleheader.

Washington (43-33) drew first blood early in game one after a two-run blast from catcher Kyle Pollock. That marked Pollocks 10th homer of the year and marked RBI numbers 45 and 46 for the two-time All Star.

Windy City (32-45) retaliated immediately in the top of the third with a two-run double by second baseman Tim Zier.

The game remained tied until the sixth when Hector Roa led off the inning with a single. Two batters later second baseman Carter McEachern followed up with a single of his own. After a walk was issued to first baseman Conner Simonetti, third baseman Ramsey Romano hit a sacrifice fly to score Roa and break the tie making it 3-2.

In the top of the seventh Wild Things closer Zach Strecker (5-3) took the mound to try and close out the game. Windy City was able to plate a run however, effectively giving Strecker his fourth blown save.

The bottom of the frame saw the Wild Things battle back and take game one of the series after a walk-off single form McEachern gave Washington its 43rd win of the season. The run that scored also gave Strecker his fifth win this year.

In the later contest of the night, Washington (44-33) capitalized early in the third inning with an RBI single from short stop Brett Marr. After two consecutive strikeouts from Harris and Collins, first baseman Reydel Medina knocked in another run to increase the lead. One batter later Roa recorded an RBI single of his own. Designated hitter Kyle Pollock walked to load the basses. McEachern would then be hit by a pitch to bring another run making it 4-0.

The Wild Things would plate another run in the sixth inning when Roa knocked in Collins to make it 5-0.

In the top of the sixth, Jesus Balaguer took the mound in relief after Belinda’s only needed 69 pitches to record five scoreless innings. The Havana, Cuba native tossed two scoreless innings only letting up one hit, one walk and struck out five batters.

Windy City (32-46) was not able to get any offense going after fantastic pitching from Washington’s starter and bullpen. The combined effort from both pitchers effectively ended the ThunderBolts short stop Omar Obregon’s 27-game hit streak.

Washington is back in action tomorrow to potentially sweep the series from Windy City. Chase Cunningham is on the mound opposing right hander Jake Welch. First pitch is scheduled for 5:35 p.m.