Things 3 Bolts 0
WASHINGTON, PA – Trevor Foss needed only 92 pitches as the Washington Wild Things right-hander threw a complete game shutout and defeated the ThunderBolts 3-0 at Consol Energy Park Friday night.
Washington (16-14) scored the only run they would need just two batters into the game. Jamal Austin hit a triple off of Windy City (19-12) starter Ryan Strombom. He scored on a Ricky Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
Strombom settled down after the leadoff triple. He retired eight of the next nine hitters and did not find himself in trouble again until there were two outs in the third. Rodriguez tripled and Bryan Haar singled him home to extend Washington’s lead to 2-0.
The ThunderBolts’ offense meanwhile had no answer for Foss. They managed just one hit over the first five innings, a Ransom LaLonde first inning single. Taylor Smart singled to leadoff the sixth but was erased on a double play.
In the bottom of the sixth, David Popkins hit a solo home run, adding one to the Wild Things edge.
The ThunderBolts got a man into scoring position for the first time in the seventh. LaLonde singled and advanced to second on an error. He eventually made it to third but was left there as Foss retired Cody Keefer, who ended his hitting streak at 15 games, and Blair Beck.
Foss (5-2) went the distance for the fifth straight start, as the ThunderBolts were shutout for the first time this year. He allowed only three hits, all singles, and one walk while striking out five. Ryan Strombom (2-3) pitched well despite the loss. He allowed three runs on five hits over six innings.
The ThunderBolts continue their series with the Wild Things on Saturday night. Game two will feature Mitchell Cody (0-1, 3.76) pitching for the Bolts against Washington’s Brandon Hinkle (2-2, 5.51). First pitch from Consol Energy Park is scheduled for 6:05 and the broadcast can be heard through wcthunderbolts.com
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