Brocato hits 3 homers as Wild Things rock Rox
Mark Marietta
BROCKTON, Mass. – Anthony Brocato must be a morning person.
The Wild Things played a game Tuesday against the Brockton Rox that had a 10:35 a.m. start time at Campanelli Stadium.
And before most of those in attendance for the Kids Day game had a chance to digest their bacon and eggs, Brocato had given the Wild Things a first-inning lead with a home run.
And he was just getting started.
Brocato, the Wild Things’ left fielder, tied a Frontier League record by hitting three runs, and tied the Wild Things single-game mark with seven RBI, leading Washington to a 9-2 win in a series opener.
Brocato now has a league-leading 23 home runs.
It was Washington’s 10th consecutive road win.
In the Wild Things’ first 23 seasons, no player had hit three home runs in a game. Brocato, however, has accomplished the feat twice this year. He hit three homers on June 10 in a Washington win at Windy City. Brocato drove in five runs in that game.
The seven RBI against Brockton tied the Washington record that was held by teammate Jeff Liquori and set last year at Florence.
Brocato hit a solo home run to right centerfield in the first inning off Brockton starter Matthew Rivera (1-3).
In the third inning, Brocato smacked a three-run homer to left field, also off Rivera, that pushed Washington’s lead to 5-0.
In the top of the ninth, Brocato hit another three-run homer to left field, this one coming off reliever Michael Quigley.
Brocato finished the day 3-for-4 with seven RBI, a walk and a stolen base.
Caleb Ketchup had three hits and Ryan Ford scored two runs for the Wild Things.
Winning pitcher Kelvin Perez (5-2) went 7 ⅔ innings and allowed five hits and two runs.
The Wild Things, who are in first place in the Central Division, and Rox will play another morning game today before meeting in the series finale Thursday night.