The Washington Wild Things finally had one go their way on Tuesday night as Daniel Poma hit a walk-off three-run home run to defeat the Lake Erie Crushers at CONSOL Energy Park.
It looked as though the Wild Things (16-24) were on their way to yet another disappointing close defeat — 3-13 in one-run games this season — after blowing a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning, but this time Washington wouldn’t go down for the count.
With one out in the ninth, David Popkins laid off two close pitches with two strikes to represent the winning run. He then moved to second when Austin Wobrock put down his second sacrifice bunt in as many at bats.
Washington manager Bob Bozzuto then got crafty by choosing third base coach Andrew Heck — who is listed on the active roster — to pinch run for Popkins.
John Fidanza followed the sacrifice bunt with a walk on another 3-2 pitch allowing Poma to come up and end the game with a three-run shot over the left field fence for the Wild Things second walk off win of the season.
“I was just looking for a pitch to hit,” said Poma. “I knew with runners in scoring position I wasn’t going to get a fastball right down the middle. The first pitch I took was a fastball inside then he threw a slider off-speed that I caught far enough out front to pop it out.
Heck is credited as the winning run in one of many firsts experienced while covering this team.
Washington starter Luke Wilkins went seven strong innings allowing one unearned run on four hits and three walks while striking out four. He would not get the win, however, as Richie Mirowski (BS, W 1-2) allowed Lake Erie (15-22) to tie the game in the eighth after a lead off walk.
“We’ve been in these types of games all year,” said Bozzuto. “Again, they scored off of walks and I have no tolerance for it. Had it not been for a couple mistakes, Luke would have been still in the game in the eighth with a 2-0 lead, but he pitched great.”
It was Pete Rose night at the ballpark and the hits king spent time before the game addressing the team. He then coached first and third base in consecutive innings to start the game.
“The man was fabulous,” said Bozzuto. “He was into the game. It’s normally a circus when they bring someone into the dugout, but he was there. He was taking a look at what the signs were. He wanted to know everything. He wanted to help in any way possible. I hope the media sees him tonight, not for the other issue, but for the baseball guy because he was super and super to these guys”
The Wild Things will look to take the three-game series Wednesday evening at 7:05.
Starters Lines
(WAS) WIlkins (ND): 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K’s. 91 Pitches (59 Strikes).
(LE) Adkins (ND): 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K’s, 1 HR, 1 WP. 62 Pitches (36 Strikes).
(Photo Credit: Washington Wild Things)
