Washington Drops Series Opener After Joliet's Justin Garcia Hits Two Home Runs

WASHINGTON, Pa. (July 24) - The Washington Wild Things returned home after a six-game road trip and lost to the Joliet Slammers 4-2 at Wild Things Park Tuesday night. The contest featured quick play and back-and-forth offense between the teams.

Joliet jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Third baseman Danny Zardon drove in shortstop Chaz Meadows on a sacrifice fly to right field to put the Slammers in front.

Washington would answer in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at one. Catcher Kyle Pollock reached second on an error, and scored during the next at-bat thanks to right fielder Hector Roa’s RBI double.

The Slammers took the lead back with two runs in the top of the sixth, making the score 3-1 on a two-run shot by Justin Garcia, his 15th home run of the season and first of two homers on the evening.

Washington had runners on second and third with two outs in the bottom of the sixth but was unable to score a run. The Wild Things offense was more efficient in the seventh, as left fielder Roman Collins drove in shortstop Brett Marr on a sacrifice fly to cut their deficit down to one run.

Garcia struck again for Joliet in the eighth inning, driving another home run over the right field fence to give the Slammers a 4-2 lead. The Garcia solo blast, his 16th homer of 2018, would be the final scoring play of the game, as Joliet took the road victory 4-2.

Slammers starter Daren Osby (3-1) got the win. He threw six innings and allowed six hits and one unearned run. He also struck out six and did not walk a batter in the winning effort. Washington started Thomas Dorminy (7-4) was stuck with the loss. He went eight innings and allowed seven hits and four runs, which were all earned.

Washington was led by center fielder James Harris who collected three hits and a walk in the contest. Roa added two hits and an RBI.

Washington (32-29) has now lost three straight games, and will look to bounce back tomorrow in the middle game against the Slammers. Joliet (35-26) now sits 1.5 games ahead in the East. The second game between Washington and Joliet will be tomorrow night at Wild Things Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.