Lake Erie falls to Washington, 8-7
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Washington, PA. – The Lake Erie Crushers (33-36) coming off a series loss, traveled to the first place Washington Wild Things (45-24) in a pivotal series. The Crushers entered the night three games back of the wild card spot in the West division.
It was a long paced game where both teams led at least once throughout the game. Lake Erie had the first lead but eight consecutive runs by Washington helped them avoid a let down after Lake Erie shortened the deficit late. The Wild Things won the series opener 8-7.
In the first inning, both teams scored. For the Crushers, three runs crossed the plate. Two RBI single by Sean Cheely and an RBI single by Austin White started Lake Erie on the right track. Washington followed with two runs in the bottom half. Two RBI single by Tristan Peterson cut the deficit to one.
It’d be a big five run third inning for the Wild Things. Andrew Czech RBI single to center field, Nick Ward followed with a two RBI single to left center, Scotty Dubrule drew a bases loaded walk, and Wagner Lagrange topped off the inning with an RBI infield single to the shortstop.
Although there were early runs for both teams, Washington pitcher Daren Osby didn’t allow an earned run on the night. Osby lasted five innings, allowed five hits, three runs (zero earned), five walks, and struck out three. On the other side, it was a rough night for the 6 foot 8 inch lefty Kyle Seebach. Coming off of an impressive start last week, things went south for him tonight. Only lasting two and two-thirds, allowed six hits, seven runs, with five walks, and six strikeouts.
Already a sizable lead for Washington, the Wild Things added one more run in the sixth inning. Hector Roa with an RBI infield single, extended the lead to five.
Lake Erie didn’t go down quiet. The Crushers used a big four run eighth inning to climb back into the game. With the bases loaded and one out, Connor Owings provided an enormous hit. The left fielder barely missed a home run but shot a three run double into left center to cut the deficit to two. For Owings, it was his third hit. Shortly after, Jackson Valera chopped a ball to the second baseman that allowed Owings to score from third, the deficit cut to one.
In the ninth, Washington called out their closer Lukas Young to seal the deal. Young threw a 1-2-3 inning and secured a series opener win for the Wild Things, 8-7.
The two teams will face off again on Saturday, August 6th. The game will be in Washington, PA. and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET.
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