Five-Run First For Slammers the Difference in Series Finale as Wild Things Are Unable to Complete Sw

JOLIET, IL (August 9) – The Wild Things were not able to complete the series sweep against the Joliet Slammers Thursday, suffering a 6-1 loss. Washington still picked up the series win however, making it their fourth in a row and securing first place in the East Division.

Washington (42-33) fell behind early in the ball game after a rough first inning from starting pitcher Levi MaVorhis (1-2). The Slammers were able to plate five runs in the inning off an RBI single from second baseman Ridge Hoopi-Haslam and then a grand slam from left fielder LJ Kalawaia, making it 5-0.

The Wild Things started their comeback in the third inning when center fielder James Harris hit a sacrifice fly to score first baseman Conner Simonetti making it 5-1.

Joliet (42-33) was able to tack on another run in the fourth off of a sacrifice fly from first baseman Trenton Hill making it 6-1.

MaVorhis was relieved in the fourth inning by Kellen Croce (2-0) who gave up an earned run but recorded the first two outs of the inning.

After Croce’s departure James Meeker took the mound for a solid 3.1 innings of work. Over those 3.1 innings, Meeker let up one hit, no walks and struck out six batters.

In the eighth BJ Sabol took the mound and tossed a scoreless frame to finish out the game as the Wild Things could not muster any offense to complete the comeback after the run in the third.

The Wild Things are back in action tomorrow against the Windy City ThunderBolts. Right hander Michael Austin will take the mound for Washington looking to follow up with another solid performance. First pitch at Wild Things Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.