Kountis sets saves mark in Wild Things victory

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Jimmy Yezzo drove in two runs and Jonathan Kountis became the Wild Things’ all-time saves leader as Washington defeated Schaumburg, 5-2, Saturday night.
The Wild Things scored three runs in the top of the first inning and six Washington pitchers made the lead stand. Kountis pitched the ninth inning, striking out all three batters he faced for his seventh save of the season and 39th of his Wild Things career. Kountis passed Jim Popp (2004-06), who had 38 saves, atop the franchise’s all-time list.
Scott Kalamar, Yezzo and Danny Poma each had a run-scoring single in the first inning. Schaumburg pulled to within 3-2 with runs in the first and third innings. Washington made it 4-2 in the sixth when David Popkins tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Yezzo.
Washington tacked on a run in the ninth when Austin Wobrock scored when Andrew Heck bounced into a fielder’s choice.
Tim Giel (3-5) was the winning pitcher in relief of starter Jeremy Holcombe. The final four Washington pitchers – Kolin Stanley, Matt Purnell, Steve Messner and Kountis – combined for four hitless innings with six strikeouts.