Washington Drops One-Run Game in Series Opener Against Windy City Friday

CRESTWOOD, Il. (August 17) - The Washington Wild Things fell in the opener of the series to Windy City by a score of 3-2. Starting pitcher Jake Belinda struggled a bit on the mound Friday but was able to lock it down to make a six-inning appearance. Despite the loss, the Wild Things remain a game back in the East Division courtesy a Joliet loss to Traverse City. The playoff magic number also decreased to 11 with Lake Erie's loss.

After two straight walks issued to center fielder James Harris and left fielder Roman Collins, the window was wide open for designated hitter Hector Roa to push Washington (46-36) ahead. His RBI single knocked in Harris giving the Wild Things an early 1-0 lead.

Windy City (35-48) plated a run of its own in the bottom half of the second after Wild Things starter Jake Belinda let up three free passes to start the inning. Designated hitter Blair Beck then hit into a double play that scored catcher Larry Balkwill, making it 1-1.

The ThunderBolts kept the pressure on in the third inning after an RBI double from right fielder Axel Johnson, effectively making it 2-1 and giving the Bolts the lead for good.

In the bottom of the fourth Windy City looked to increase their lead again. Belinda, however, was able to work himself out of a bases loaded jam to keep the deficit at one.

One inning later the ThunderBolts increased their lead on an RBI single by Beck, that pushed the lead to 3-1.

A Brett Marr fielder's choice scored a run in the seventh for the Wild Things to cut the lead for Windy City to 3-2. That would be the Wild Things final run of the game after they were unable to muster any offense the rest of the game.

Washington is back in action tomorrow for the middle game of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT.