It's 5'o Clock Somewhere at EQT Park

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The Washington Wild Things sit atop their division ahead of the All-Star Break. However, the Lake Erie Crushers have gained some ground. As the Grapes were able to crush the Wild Thing’s margaritas on Jimmy Buffett Night. With just four hits, the Wild Things went scoreless as Lake Erie won 2-0. Despite the loss, the Wild Thing kept the crowd active throughout the entire Saturday night.

The Wild Thing in Hawaiian gear is hyping up the crowd at EQT Park.

The Crushers started the game with two straight singles, making Wild Thing’s starter Dominic Puccetti sweat. Puccetti managed to fly out Jarrod Watkins but walked Scout Knotts for bases loaded. Fortunately, the Wild Things’ defense bailed Puccetti out with two putouts to end the half.

The Wild Things went out 1,2,3, and the 2nd inning began. And in the 2nd, the Crushers continued to put pressure on the Things. Sam Franco advanced to second from a stolen base, and a walk put two on base. However, the Wild Things converted the men on first and second into a double play opportunity to save themselves once more. The Wild Things exited three straight again as the game moved on to the 3rd inning.

The Wild Things were only able to bail themselves out so often. This time around, Knotts found a ball he liked and sent it straight back over the wall. This gave Erie a 1-0 lead.

The Wild Things were able to make some action in the bottom of the 3rd on All-Star pitcher Jake Eisenbarger. Ethan Wilder singled, and Jeff Liquori sent a ball into left field, where the fielder lost his shades, allowing Liquori to earn a double. With Wilder on 3rd and Liquori on 2nd, Robert Chayka joined them with a walk. And with bases loaded, the Wild Things fell into a double play to end the inning and strand the runners.

Lake Erie Crushers’ Burle Dixon running to first base.

On the other hand, the Crushers took their opportunities to score as Burle Dixon singled and allowed Davie Morgan to advance home after his leadoff triple. 2-0 score. Dixon made it worse by managing to steal second in a failed run-down attempt for the Wild Things. Fortunately, Washington managed to make three outs and left Dixon on 2nd. They even managed to streak out Franco, the beer batter of the game.

At every home game, they choose a beer batter from the visiting team. If the batter strikes out, the fans win $2 beers. They also have donations to the local Washington Foodbank for every other strikeout. The Wild Things also do activities between innings, including birthday celebrations, dance breaks with kids, and other games like races, sumo wrestling, cornhole, and food giveaways such as the burrito roll-up race and the Chick-fil-A nugget toss.

In the middle of the fourth, the Wild Things start $1 Milk & Cookies. A trend at the ballpark signifies the Wild Things’ family-oriented culture. The tradition is so well held that it even makes their merchandise found in their team shop. Other features offered by Washington include a birthday pavilion, a kids’ playing zone with bouncy castles and games. As well as a cooling station for the hot summer games.

In the fourth, the Wild Things had a 1st and 3rd opportunity but fell into another double play. That’d be the last opportunity for either team until the 9th. As the 6th through 8th innings were limited in offense.

The Wild Things needed a comeback in the 9th. Closer Christian Diaz came in; however, he allowed a double off the cuff. A bunt by Alfredo Gonzalez put the runner on 3rd. Fortunately, Diaz closed the side and the Wild Things moved on to the crucial final inning.

Erie closer Michael Brewer came in and walked two batters. The crowd roared as they had one out and the potential winning run at the plate. With chants of Homer’s new signee, Francisco Del Valle, and Ethan Wilder flied out to end the game.

On Sunday, their series with the Crushers ended with Erie taking all three games. This puts Washington at 30-27 before the All-Star break. Lake Erie is at 29-25. Washington will be back on Friday, the 18th, versus Sussex. Keep up with the team at Schedule | Official Website of The Washington Wild Things.

About Post Author

Zachary Worstell

A Marietta College Student with three years of journalism experience writing for Marietta's Marcolian Online Newspaper. He was promoted to Editor in Chief of the Marcolian in 2023. A Pittsburgh native, he covers sports from the Pittsburgh region as well as Ohio and West Virginia.

zach102803@gmail.com

https://ngscsports.com/