Brocato hits 3 home runs as Wild Things roll
CRESTWOOD, Ill. – Left fielder Anthony Brocato became the first player in the Wild Things’ 24-season history to hit three home runs in a game, powering Washington to a 13-0 victory over the Windy City ThunderBolts on Wednesday.
Brocato’s home-run barrage happened over a three-inning stretch. With Washington leading 4-0, Brocato began the sixth inning with a home run off Windy City starter A.J. Campbell. Before the inning would end, Brocato would add another home run, a three-run shot that gave the Wild Things a 12-0 lead. Washington scored eight runs in the inning.
In the eighth inning, Brocato hit his eighth home run of the season, a solo shot to center field. Brocato went 4-for-5 with five RBI.
Zach Kirby (3-0) and two relievers combined on a four-hit shutout. Kirby allowed three hits over six innings. He walked three and struck out seven. Michael O’Hanlon struck out five in two innings of relief and Chad Coles fanned two in the ninth inning.
Jeff Liquori homered in his first game off the injured list, and Caleb Ketchup and Kyle Edwards both had three hits and two RBI.
During Washington’s two off days leading up to the series opener, the Wild Things made a flurry of roster moves. Kirby and Liquori were activated off the IL, outfielder E.J. Cumbo was placed on the 14-day injured list with a hand injury, relief pitcher Austin Eaton was traded to Chicago of the American Association for a player to be named, catcher Three Hillier was released and catcher Collin Helms was signed.
Helms is a rookie who played last year at Harding University, where he was a teammate of Wild Things starting pitcher Maddox Long.