When you’re on a run like the Wild Things are currently on, these are the kind of things that happen. With Washington holding a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning Friday night, Gateway Grizzlies relief pitcher Alec Whaley was in a full-blown jam. He inherited two runners on base, then was called for a balk and issued an intentional walk that loaded the bases with one out.
Gateway needed a double-play grounder to get out of the sticky situation. Whaley appeared to get just that as his first pitch to Robert Chayka was a slow grounder hit back to the mound. Whaley, however, fielded the ball cleanly, took a look at home plate but opted not to throw there for an easy forceout.
He instead made a 180-degree spin and looked at second base. Following a second of indecision, Whaley threw to second base to retire Tommy Caufield, but the chance for a double play ended with Whaley’s hesitation. Quincy Latimore scored on the play and it proved to be a key run in the Wild Things’ 4-1 victory.
The win extended Washington’s winning streak to nine games, which is their longest since June of 2018. Washington starter Kobe Foster (2-0) and relievers Alex Carrillo and Gyeongju Kim combined on a five-hitter. Washington also scored a run in unusual fashion in the seventh inning.
With Evan Berkey at second base after being hit by a pitch and then advancing on a sacrifice bunt by Caleb McNeely, Carson Clowers hit a grounder into the hole that was fielded by Gateway shortstop Abdiel Diaz. Diaz, who d.
