Wild Things Win Back-and-Forth Series Opener, Game of the Bullpens Against Windy City

CRESTWOOD, Il. (June 1)-  The Washington Wild Things (11-8) opened up a three-game series with the Windy City ThunderBolts (7-10) by taking game one by a score of 7-4. The win featured the Wild Things bullpen throwing five scoreless innings in relief of starter Frank Trimarco.

The Wild Things jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning after Kyle Pollock was able to reach on an error that scored Carter McEachern. In the second they added another run to their tally with an RBI single from left fielder James Harris, but the ThunderBolts were able to plate a run of their own in the bottom of the frame making it 2-1.  

The scoring resumed in the fourth when designated hitter Mick Fennell knocked in right fielder Hector Roa with a groundout before Harris was able to record his second RBI of the night on a triple that scored shortstop Justin Bohn making it 4-1. Windy City was able to plate three runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth tying the game.

In the fifth, left fielder Roman Collins was able to score on a passed ball, that provided the game's winning run when all was said and done.

The rest of the game showcased the dominance of the Wild Things bullpen. Trevor Bradley (1-0) came in relief of Trimarco, who tossed four innings and allowed the four runs (three earned). Bradley pitched two innings, retired all six batters he faced and recorded his first win. In the seventh Sam Mersing came on and continued the dominance by pitching two scoreless innings.

The eighth inning saw the last of the scoring when third baseman Mike Hill hit a two-run shot to pad the Wild Things lead.

In the ninth Zach Strecker came on to close out the game and did just that by earning his sixth save of the year, and, in the process, tossing his 10th scoreless inning to begin the campaign.

The Wild Things are back in action tomorrow for game two of the three-game series with Windy City. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 ET.

Box Score: http://frontier.bbstats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=444339

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Lake Erie Crushers 5 def. Schaumburg Boomers 4

SCHAUMBURG, Il. — Four runs in the fourth inning propelled Lake Erie (12-7) to a series-opening win over the Boomers (7-11). Mason Klotz (2-0) got the win, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings in relief of starter Ben Smith, who allowed three earned runs over 4.2 frames. Justin Sinibaldi picked up his fifth save, despite allowing two hits and an unearned run in the ninth. For Schaumburg, Kit Fowler fell to 0-4 on the season, lasting just 3.2 innings and giving up four earned runs. The middle game of the series is scheduled for tonight at 6:00.

Joliet Slammers 12 def. Traverse City Beach Bums 6

TRAVERSE CITY, Mi. — The Slammers (8-11) capitalized on four Traverse City errors to win their third game of their past four.  Joliet showed remarkable discipline at the plate, drawing 15 walks, with six hitters walking more than once. Traverse City starter Seth Brenner (1-1) issued seven of those free passes, along with five hits and five earned runs, taking the loss. Duke von Schamann (2-1) got the win, allowing four runs—two earned—over six innings. The second of three games will take place tonight at 7:05.

Gateway Grizzlies 7 def. Normal CornBelters 3

SAUGET, Il. — Gateway (9-10) scored five of its seven runs in the first three innings on its way to a win to start a three-game set with the CornBelters (7-11). Dalton Shalberg won his first decision of the season. The Grizzlies' starter went 5.2 innings and allowed three earned runs on four hits while walking three and striking out nine. Jack Landwehr lost his first start of 2018, giving up two earned runs over five frames. The middle game is scheduled for tonight at 7:05.

Southern Illinois Miners 3 def. Evansville Otters 2

MARION, Il. — After blowing a 2-0 lead in the top half of the ninth, the Miners (10-8) got the win in the bottom half of the inning courtesy of a solo home run by first baseman Chance Shepard. Evansville's first baseman, Brandon Dulin, hit a two-run homer to tie the game at two in the top of the ninth before Shepard ended it leading off the bottom half. John Werner (1-0) got the win after a blown save, while Sean Adler (1-1) took the loss. Southern Illinois' starter Billy Griffen is still searching for his first win of the season despite throwing 5.1 scoreless frames and striking out six, while for the Otters' (10-8), Luc Rennie (2-0) allowed two earned runs while walking five and striking out five over only 3.1 innings. The three-game series continues tonight at 6:05.

River City Rascals 5 def. Florence Freedom 4

FLORENCE, Ky. -- River City (12-6) overcame an early 3-0 deficit to defeat the Freedom (8-10) in the series opener. Outfielder Gerrion Grim led the way offensively for the Rascals, going 2-4 with two RBI. For Florence, second baseman Jose Brizuela went 3-4 with a double, two runs scored, two RBI and his fourth homer of the season. Jonny Ortiz (1-0) got the win, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings in relief of starter Scott Grist, who give up four runs over 4.2 frames. Florence starter Steve Hagen took the loss, giving up five runs-- four earned-- over six innings. The two teams meet again tonight at 6:05.