Wild Things win series opener
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich – Bryan Haar drove in two runs, Luke Wilkins pitched into the seventh inning and the Wild Things gave manager Gregg Langbehn a victory against his former team as Washington defeated Traverse City, 3-2, in a Frontier League series opener Tuesday night.
The game was the first for Langbehn in Traverse City after spending five years (2009-13) as manager of the Beach Bums.
Haar had run-scoring singles in the top of the first and third innings, staking Washington to a 2-1 lead. The Wild Things made it 3-1 in the fourth, taking advantage of a Beach Bums error. Andrew Heck singled, stole second base and Grant Fink walked. Kyle Pollock, who was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day, bounced back to Traverse City pitcher Kramer Champlin (1-4), whose throw to second base went to the outfield, allowing Heck to score.
Wilkins (1-1) allowed four hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Relievers Devon Davis and Zac Grotz got the final eight outs, five on strikeouts. Grotz earned his sixth save.
The Beach Bums’ Will Kengor, a former Slippery Rock University player, hit his fifth home run of the season, and third against Washington, in the second inning.