O'FALLON, Mo. – A one-hit, seven-inning performance by starting pitcher Justin Edwards and a 3-for-4 night at the plate for first baseman Eric Stephens helped lift the Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Financial, over the first-place River City Rascals, 8-0, on Tuesday night.

Stephens drove in the first run of the game in the second inning, singling to score designated hitter Ernie Banks. The Wild Things widened their lead in the fifth, when second baseman Scott Lawson hit an RBI single and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Banks.  

An inning later, four Washington runs put the game out of reach. Stephens led off the inning with a solo blast, his second home run in as many games. Two batters later, third baseman Ryan Ditthardt hit a two-run homer. Lawson drove in shortstop Kevyn Feiner with a sacrifice fly for the final run of the inning.  

The third Washington home run of the night came in the ninth inning by center fielder Chris Sidick, bringing the final score to 8-0.

Edwards (1-2) took a no hitter into the seventh inning for his first win of the year. He threw seven scoreless innings, giving up just the one hit while striking out seven batters. The  Rascals got only one other hit in the game, against reliever Taylor Wulf in the ninth.

Washington handed River City starter Zach Sterner (5-1) his first loss of the season. He pitched five innings with five hits, five walks, five runs,and three strikeouts.  

Washington and River City meet again tomorrow at 8:05 p.m.. Pre-game coverage starts at 7:55 p.m. on WJPA 95.3 FM. The Wild Things will return to CONSOL Energy Park on Friday, July 8, for a 6:35 p.m. match-up against the Gateway Grizzlies. Stick around after the game for Fireworks Friday presented by Washington Financial. Purchase tickets by visiting www.washingtonwildthings.com, calling 724-250-9555 or stopping by the CONSOL Energy Park Box Office.