The Gateway Grizzlies built what looked like a promising 3-1 lead in the sixth inning Tuesday morning, but their bullpen unraveled in the middle innings, resulting in a 7-3 loss to the Washington Wild Things at EQT Park and ending their three-game winning streak.
Rookie left-hander Josh Dima turned in a strong effort on the mound, working five innings while striking out a career-high nine batters. Though he issued three walks in his first two innings and surrendered a run on a wild pitch with runners moving in the second, Dima largely kept Washington in check. His nine strikeouts also marked the highest total by any Gateway starter this season.
The Grizzlies were stymied by Washington starter Zach Kirby until the top of the sixth. Victor Castillo opened the frame with a double, Mark Shallenberger drew a walk, and two outs later, Dale Thomas delivered a clutch three-run homer to put Gateway ahead 3-1.
The lead proved short-lived. After Dima was lifted following 108 pitches, the Grizzlies’ relief unit immediately ran into trouble. Jack Hoeymans retired the first batter he faced but then walked two and hit a batter to load the bases. Claudio Galva (2-1) entered and allowed a wild pitch that made it 3-2 before E.J. Cumbo’s sacrifice fly tied the game at 3-3.
The roof caved in during the seventh. A leadoff walk and a double set the table for Cole Fowler, who launched a go-ahead three-run homer off Galva, pushing Washington in front 6-3. The Wild Things added one more run in the inning to account for the final 7-3 margin. It marked the first blown save of the season for the Grizzlies’ bullpen.
Gateway will look to even the series on Wednesday night in the middle game at EQT Park, with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 p.m. CT.
