Cunningham Dazzles as Wild Things Take Finale, Series at Windy City
CRESTWOOD, Ill. – The Washington Wild Things (47-41) used early offense and lights out pitching and defense to beat the Windy City ThunderBolts (48-42) by a score of 8-0. With the win, the Wild Things have moved to a half-game back of the Thunderbolts in the wild-card hunt. The Bolts have six games remaining, while Washington has seven left to play.
Chase Cunningham earned his 10th win of the season, as he was dealt for the first seven innings of the game. Despite allowing six Thunderbolts to reach base, he continued to work out of trouble and not allow any runs. He was responsible for three hits, three walks and three strikeouts, before being relieved by Jacob Condra-Bogan to start the bottom of the eighth.
Condra-Bogan tossed a scoreless eighth, getting two strikeouts, and then Davis Adkins closed it in the ninth, striking out one and allowing no hits.
Today’s game was crucial for Washington’s postseason aspirations, and they showed how aware they were of this from the first batter of the game as right fielder James Harris lifted the third pitch of the first inning over the wall for his fourth home run on the year.
Then, after working out of a jam in the bottom frame, the Wild Things tallied five runs in the top of the second, highlighted by a three-run homer from left fielder Bralin Jackson and a two-RBI single from second baseman Kyle Reese.
Designated hitter Hector Roa got his 15th homer of the season, this time a two-run shot in the top of the fifth. This hit pushed the score to 8-0.
The Wild Things start the final homestand of the regular season this Wednesday, August 30th with a doubleheader against the Joliet Slammers. First pitch of game one is slated for 6:05 p.m.
