Washington Wins Series Opener in Joliet With Bats

JOLIET, Ill. – The Washington Wild Things (40-35) defeated the Joliet Slammers (33-41) in a back-and-forth battle Friday night by a score of 7-3. Aaron Burns (4-1) got the start, going six-strong innings, allowing only three runs on six hits.

The Wild Things stuck first, as designated hitter James Harris singled in the top of the second, plating shortstop Trevin Sonnier. Joliet answered in the bottom of the third scoring one, and then adding two more in their next turn at-bat, putting Washington down 3-1.

In the top of the sixth, third baseman Mike Hill and second baseman Justin Bohn both reached on two-out walks. This opened the door for Sonnier, who hit his second double of the game, scoring both runners and tying the contest. Harris then singled Sonnier in once again, giving the Wild Things the lead heading into the bottom of the sixth.

The score held until the top of the ninth, when left fielder Bralin Jackson hit a long three-run homer, putting the Wild Things up 7-3, which would prove to be the final score.

The Wild Things look to win the series tomorrow, as Ethan Gibbons (1-1) starts on the bump with first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. EST.

Boxscore: http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=379277