Washington, Pa – The Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, scored early and held on late against the Southern Illinois Miners for a 2-1 victory at Rent One Park Thursday night.

Starting for Washington was Tom Cochran (3-0), who kept the Miners reeling at the plate throughout the game. Cochran pitched seven innings, striking out six, giving up no runs and even working out of a couple jams, including one in the sixth inning with runners in scoring position and one out.

Pat O’Brien and Matt Sutton both went 2-for-4 in the contest and both accounted for the Wild Things’ two runs. Sutton also had two stolen bases in the game.

Just like the previous night, Washington scored a quick run in the first after Matt Sutton got in scoring position with a steal and Jarod Rine followed with an RBI single. The Wild Things then manufactured a run in the second when Pat O’Brien scored on a Justin Gregula sacrifice fly, making it 2-0.

Most of the game after the second inning was dominated by pitching and solid defense. Southern Illinois’ southpaw Chris Tierney (1-1) and reliever Chris McGraw retired 17 straight Wild Things batters into the seventh inning, and Cochran held the Miners hitless into the sixth due to his six strikeouts and the solid defense behind him.

The Miners’ bats finally came alive in the eighth inning against reliever Ian Heisel, as they pushed across one run on three hits but stranded two to end the frame.

While the Wild Things could not add an insurance run in the ninth with Sutton standing on third base and one out, Gus Hlebovy was able to retire the side for his fifth save of the season.

The Wild Things will continue play with the Miners Friday at 8:05 p.m. EST at Rent One Park for the rubber match of the series. The game can be head locally on WJPA 95.3-FM and online at www.msasportsnetwork.com.

Washington will return home Tuesday, June 19 at 7:05 p.m. to host the Miners at CONSOL Energy Park. For tickets, call the Wild Things box office at 724-250-9555.

--Brian Dalek