Two James Harris Home Runs Highlight Whitewashing of Slammers as Washington Evens Series
WASHINGTON, Pa. (May 30) - Center fielder James Harris’ two home runs and four RBIs helped pace the Wild Things’ offense as the team exploded for 14 hits in a 13-2 victory over the Joliet Slammers Wednesday night.
Washington (10-7) opened up the scoring early as Harris teed off for his fourth home run of the year to lead off the game against Joliet starting pitcher Shane Bryant. However, the Slammers (6-11) answered back in the second inning with a two-RBI single off the bat of R.J. Thompson to give the opposition a 2-1 advantage.
Harris’ big day continued in the fifth inning, as he smacked his second home run of the day—a two-run shot—and fifth of the season to put the Wild Things up 3-2. Later in the frame, first baseman Reydel Medina connected on a single that drove in second baseman Carter McEachern to extend the lead to 4-2.
After McEachern added a run of insurance when he singled in shortstop Justin Bohn in the top of the sixth inning to put Washington up 5-2 over Joliet, Washington continued to pile on against the Slammers’ bullpen late in the game. The Wild Things plated three runs in the eighth inning behind a single from Mick Fennell, as well as sacrifice flies off the bats of Harris and McEachern.
Hector Roa drove in the team’s ninth run in the top of the ninth inning with a double that scored catcher Kyle Pollock. After scoring a run off an error, the Wild Things plated three more runs in the final inning thanks to a McEachern two-RBI single and a Roman Collins RBI single to bring the game to its final score of 13-2.
Washington starting pitcher Thomas Dorminy was dominant on the night, tossing seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts. Dorminy also did not walk a batter, as he cruised to his third-consecutive win in as many starts.
Bryant took the loss on the night for the Slammers after going 5.2 innings—allowing five runs, seven hits and six walks.
Harris finished the evening 2-2 at the plate with two runs scored, four RBI and three walks. McEachern completed a strong outing of his own, going 3-5 with four RBI and a run scored.
The Wild Things will look to take the series against the Slammers tomorrow night at 8:05 EST. Washington’s Mike Anthony (0-1) will take the hill against Joliet’s Liam O’Sullivan (0-2).
AROUND THE LEAGUE RECAP - By Joe Smeltzer
Evansville Otters 2 def. Florence Freedom 0 - Game 1
Evansville Otters 3 def. Florence Freedom 1 - Game 2
EVANSVILLE, In.— Three Evansville pitchers combined for a four-hit shutout in the first game of a doubleheader. Sean Adler (1-0) got the win, throwing two scoreless innings in relief of Patrick McGuff, who pitched four shutout frames to start the game. Mitchell Aker pitched a scoreless seventh inning for his sixth save of the year. For the Freedom, Cody Gray took the loss despite allowing just two runs in a complete-game effort. Three runs in the bottom of the fifth propelled Evansville (10-7) to a win in the nightcap, completing the doubleheader sweep. Randy Wynne (2-2), picked up the win, pitching 5.2 scoreless frames, allowing just three hits and striking out six. Despite giving up a run in the seventh, Aker got his second save of the night. For the Freedom (8-9), Marty Anderson (2-2), got the loss, allowing three earned runs over five innings. Florence will look to avoid a series sweep, as well as its sixth straight loss, tonight at 6:35.
Normal CornBelters 13, Southern Illinois Miners 6 - Game 1
Southern Illinois Miners 5 def. Normal CornBelters 1 - Game 2
MARION, Il.— The CornBelters scored nine runs in their first three at-bats on their way to a commanding win in the first of two games at Rent One Park last night. Six Normal players drove in a run while five finished the night with two or more RBI. First baseman Chris Iriart hit his fourth home run of the season. Scott Sebald (2-2) got the win, allowing three runs over five innings, while for the Miners, Kurt Heyer (2-2) took the loss, lasting just two frames while giving up six runs— just two of which were earned. The Miners (9-8) scored three runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth, managing a doubleheader split in taking game two. The top three hitters in the Miners' lineup had two hits apiece, while on the mound, Robby Rowland improved to 4-0 on the season, allowing one run over six innings. The rubber match of the series is scheduled for tonight at 7:05.
Traverse City Beach Bums 9 def. Lake Erie Crushers 2
AVON, Oh.— A six-run sixth inning broke the game open, and the Beach Bums (9-8) won their third straight. Right fielder Isacc Benard went 2-5 with four RBI and his second home run of the year, and shortstop Will Kengor also hit his second homer, going 3-5 with two RBI. John Havird threw eight innings, allowing just two runs—one earned—and picking up his first win of the season, improving to 1-1. For Lake Erie (10-7), Alex Romero (2-2) took the loss, allowing seven earned runs over five frames. The rubber match of the three-game series is scheduled for 6:35 tonight.
River City Rascals 5 def. Gateway Grizzlies 2
SAUGET, Il. - Three first-inning runs were the difference for River City (11-5), as the Rascals won for the eighth time in their last ten contests. First baseman Clint Freeman went 3-4 with two RBI and hit his third home run of the season, while designated hitter Paul Kronenfeld went 3-5 and drove in two. Josh Kimborowicz (1-0) got the win, allowing two runs-- one earned-- while striking out eight over seven innings. Max MacNabb (1-3), took the loss for Gateway (7-10) despite allowing just one earned run over five frames. The Rascals will look for a three-game sweep tonight at 7:05.
Schaumburg Boomers 6 def. Windy City ThunderBolts 5
CRESTWOOD, IL— Down 5-4 in the top of the ninth, centerfielder Sean Godfrey capped off a 4-5, four RBI night at the plate with a two-run homer to give the Boomers (6-10) a lead that they wouldn't give up. The Thunderbolts (7-8) will look to get back on track tonight at 7:05.
