Washington Offense Stays Hot in 10-6, Series-Clinching Victory

MARION, Ill. – The Washington Wild Things (31-25) defeated the Southern Illinois Miners (22-35) 10-6 in the rubber match of the three-game series July 20. Cameron Stanton (2-2) got the start on the mound for the Wild Things, going five innings for the win with a final line of seven hits, three runs and two strikeouts.

Washington shortstop Mike Hill got the scoring started as he led off the top of the second inning with a solo home run. The Wild Things added three more in the following inning as, for the fifth time this season, they hit back-to-back home runs, this time in the form of a two-run shot from designated hitter Bralin Jackson and a solo homer for right fielder Hector Roa.

In the bottom of the third, the Miners worked their way back into the game. They were able to score three runs by way of an RBI single from third baseman Ryan Lashley followed by a two-run homer from right fielder Nolan Earley.

After a scoreless fourth, the Wild Things started to add some cushion to their lead. Jackson scored the first run as third baseman Kenny Peoples-Walls singled, and in the next-at-bat, second baseman Justin Bohn plated two runners by way of a triple. He then scored on a single by catcher John Fidanza, putting the Wild Things up 8-3 heading into the bottom frame. In the top of the eighth, centerfielder Rashad Brown plated Fidanza, and then was plated himself on a Jackson double, pushing the lead to seven. The Miners were able to get one back in the bottom half with an RBI single from left fielder Romeo Cortina.

In the ninth inning, the comeback attempt was on as the first two Southern Illinois batters reached base. Earley was able to drive in a run on a single, and then another runner scored on a wild pitch. The comeback would come up short, however, as Aaron Burns was able to set the next two batters down in order, earning the save and preserving the four-run lead.

The Wild Things travel to Evansville, Indiana, tomorrow to face off against the Evansville Otters with first pitch slated for 7:35 p.m. EST.

BOX SCORE: http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=379140