Wild Things’ offense sputters again in loss
CRESTWOOD, Ill. – The Wild Things now have no room for error.
Clay Chapman and Brian Loconsole combined on a two-hitter as Windy City edged Washington 2-1 Thursday night at Standard Bank Stadium.
For the second consecutive night, the Wild Things missed a chance to improve their position in the Frontier League’s wild-card standings and did so while struggling to generate offense. Washington had a string of 21 consecutive scoreless innings end in the top of the ninth when David Popkins hit a two-out solo homer for Washington’s lone run.
The Wild Things remain 2½ games behind River City for the final wild-card spot, but Washington has fell a half-game behind Lake Erie.
Washington concludes the regular season with a three-game series beginning tonight at Lake Erie. To make the playoffs, the Wild Things must sweep the Crushers and River City must get swept at Southern Illinois. A Washington loss or River City win eliminates the Wild Things.
Chapman (9-7) had a no-hitter until Grant Fink doubled to center field with two outs in the seventh inning. Chapman walked three and struck out seven in eight innings.
Windy City scored twice on 0-2 pitches. In the sixth, Washington starter Brandon Bixler (1-2) hit Ransom Lalonde with an 0-2 pitch and the bases loaded to force in the game’s first run.
In the seventh, Coco Johnson’s single off reliever Kolin Stanley on an 0-2 count scored Larry Balkwill and made the score 2-0.