Jun 14, 2013 2 min read

NORMAL, Ill. – The Washington Wild Things gave up a disputed run in the bottom of the ninth inning to fall to the Normal CornBelters, 10-9, in a wild game Thursday evening in the Corn Crib.

Washington scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning, thanks in part to a gift error by Normal left fielder Keoni Manago with the bases loaded.

Washington began the ninth inning trailing 9-5, thanks to a six-run seventh inning by Normal that chased starter Gary Lee. Rogelio Noris doubled and came home on a single by Stewart Ijames. One out later, Jim Vahalik singled and Shain Stoner walked to load the bases.

C.J. Beatty then hit a fly ball that should have ended the game, but Manago dropped it to all three runs to score and tie the game, 9-9.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, T.J. Gavlik and Mike Schwartz had back-to-back singles, then was sacrificed to second and third. Patrick McKenna was intentionally walked to load the bases.

Romulo Ruiz then grounded to third for what looked like a 5-4-3 double play but the umpire ruled Ruiz safe at first and Gavlik scored the winning run.

A three-run home run by Ruiz sparked a six-run seventh inning and allowed Normal to take a 9-5 lead. Santiago Chirino had a two-run single in the inning and Mike Schwartz doubled in another for Normal.

Washington built the early lead by scoring two in the second, one in the third and two in the sixth. Beatty and Mark Samuelsson each had an RBI in the sixth, the latter with a bases-loaded walk. A.J. Nunziato and Darian Sandford each drove in a run in the second and Noris scored Nunziato with a sacrifice fly in the third.