WASHINGTON — Wild Things starter Luke Wilkins couldn’t find his groove and Traverse City right fielder Reggie Lawson hit a third inning Grand Slam to give the Beach Bums an 8-3 victory over Washington on Sunday afternoon at Consol Energy Park.
Wilkins (1-1) experienced trouble early allowing two first inning runs on two hits while hitting a batter. He then allowed three singles with one out in the third. Lawson then came up and sent a fastball over the left field fence to extend the Traverse City lead to 6-0.
Wilkins finished the inning, but did not come out for the fourth as the Wild Things bullpen came in to pitch the final six innings allowing two runs on six hits while striking out four.
“Wilkins’ pinpoint accuracy wasn’t there today and that’s what he lives off of,” said Wild Things manager Bob Bozzuto.
Washington (9-12) had it’s chances to get back in the game as they produced eight baserunners against Beach Bums starter Michael Schreves (2-0), who only allowed two runs in six innings of work.
The Wild Things tried to mount a late comeback in the ninth loading the bases with two out, but Sam Mende — who hit a solo home run in the eighth inning — flew out to right to end the game.
“A lot of our players approach’s at the plate are getting better, but we have to have it all come together,” said Bozzuto.
Traverse City (11-9) takes the three-game series from the Wild Things, who now start a six-game road trip starting Tuesday night in Joliet.
Starters Lines
(WAS) Wilkins (L, 1-1): 3 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 K’s, 1 HR. 58 Pitches (35 Strikes).
(TC) Shreves (W, 2-0): 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K’s. 93 Pitches (53 Strikes).
(Photo Credit: Washington Wild Things)
