Cunningham Shines in Wild Things Win At River City

O'FALLON, Mo. (July 20) - Behind seven strong innings from Chase Cunningham and four early runs, the Wild Things took the series opener at CarShield Field Friday by a final of 5-2, as they got back to six games over .500 at 32-26.

The scoring started right from the word go for Washington, as the Things got back-to-back-to-back singles from center fielder James Harris, second baseman Carter McEachern and left fielder Roman Collins to start the game against River City's Hector Hernandez, who entered the game with the league's best ERA at 1.96. The Collins single plated Harris, and McEachern scored during catcher Kyle Pollock's at bat, as a throw from Rascals' catcher Mike Jurgella trying to nab Collins stealing went into center field.

Right fielder Hector Roa and first baseman Reydel Medina went back to back to start the fourth, with Roa connecting with his 10th home run of the season and Medina his fourth, as the Wild Things extended their lead over River City (30-28) to 4-0.

Washington added a run on a Collins double in the seventh, before the Rascals got their two runs on a double that was flared to right field by JD Hearn in the home half of the frame.

Chase Cunningham exited after the inning, and eventually earned his fourth win of the season, going seven and allowing six hits and the two runs with two strikeouts. Hernandez took the loss, as he gave up five runs (four earned) in his seven innings on 10 hits.

For Washington, BJ Sabol and Zach Strecker combined to finish the game, with Strecker earning his 12th save of the season.

Washington, with the win and a Joliet loss tonight, is now just one game back in the East Division.

The Wild Things now shift their focus to tomorrow's middle game, as they'll look to take the series. Tomorrow's game is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. EDT.