Slippery Rock, PA – The Washington Wild Things (21-16), presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, won one of two games against the Slippery Rock Sliders (10-27) Sunday in a doubleheader. Pitching was the difference in each of the two games.

The first game was a make up of the June 3rd game which was postponed after two innings with a 2-1 score in the Sliders favor. With the game beginning in the top of the third, Slippery Rock pitcher Zac Cline (4-2) came to play. He struck out Wild Things first baseman Nathan Messner to begin a string of five consecutive K’s that extended into the fifth inning. He ended the game with 10 strikeouts to bring his season total to 34.

Slippery Rock added to their lead in the bottom of the third. Washington pitcher Michael Hauff struggled, walking the first two batters he faced. Designated hitter Jon Dandridge brought the runners home with a double and brought his RBI total to six on the year.

The Wild Things couldn’t do much against Cline and ended the game with only three hits. The victory was Cline’s second against Washington this season.

The second game of the doubleheader was a different story. The Wild Things came out swinging against Slippery Rock starter Kory Bucklew. The first five Washington batters got on base. Chris Sidick and Rob Vernon got it going for the Wild Things and Sidick was brought home on a double by Nathan Messner. Messner and Vernon were brought home on the next play with Robbie Knapp hitting a two-run base hit to bring the Wild Things lead to 3-0. Knapp scored the fourth run for Washingto on a groundout RBI by Jarod Rine. The Wild Things would end the inning with a 4-0 lead.

The lead held strong because of the pitching of Wild Things starter J.J. Hollenbeck (2-2). Hollenbeck only allowed three hits through four innings and no runs. The Wild Things threatened to increase their lead in the top of the fifth inning. After the first two batters were retired, Sliders pitcher, Chris Rubio hit Matt Sutton and walked Rine. After a wild pitch, there were runners on second and third for Pat O’Brien. O’Brien was walked and the bases were loaded for Kyle Padgett. He went on to hit a two run double to increase the lead to 6-0.

Hollenbeck was able to close the seven inning game and record his second win of the season. Hollenbeck allowed only four hits and it was the Wild Things second complete game within two days.

The Wild Things return to CONSOL Energy Park Monday to host the first of an eight game home stand. They will take on Chillicothe for the first two games For tickets, call the Wild Things box office at 724-250-9555.