Big inning

If you were wondering, yes, the 11-run seventh inning by Lake Erie Sunday night was the most runs the Wild Things have given up in an inning during a game at Consol Energy Park.

The previous record was 10 runs by Windy City in the fourth inning of a game Aug. 9, 2008. Windy City won that game 22-7, which came on the heels of a 13-5 win over the Wild Things one night earlier. That 10-run inning by the ThunderBolts included three home runs, including a grand slam. There were seven hits, three walks and an error in the frame.

The offensive numbers by Lake Erie in the seventh inning weren't as impressive: Three hits (one an infield single), no extra-base hits and only two batted balls that reached the outfield. There were eight walks, a hit batsman and two errors. For the night, Washington pitchers issued 13 walks.

Washington manager Darin Everson admitted after the game that he's concerned about the confidence of some of his relief pitchers. The Wild Things have had two bullpen meltdowns in the last five games.

"Definitely," he said. "We're trying to figure out what's going on with 'em because what's happening isn't what they've shown before. We have to figure out if it's a mental thing or there's something wrong from a physical or mechanical standpoint.

"The best thing is, tonight was just a big bump in the road. It looks worse because we had a 5-1 lead and was in command."

One guy in particular who is going through a rough stretch is Davis Bilardello. Through is first 13 outings with Washington, Bilardello had a 2.89 ERA and had not allowed more than two hits or two walks in a game. In his last three outings, Bilardello has pitched two innings, allowing nine hits, three walks and 12 runs (eight earned).

Bilardello's struggles are happening at the wrong time for Washington. With Kevin Hammons being placed on the DL Sunday, Bilardello is the only lefty the Wild Things have in the bullpen.