O’FALLON–The River City Rascals’ losing followed them home on Friday night at CarShield Field, as the team dropped it’s sixth straight game in the series opener against the Washington Wild Things, who won by a final of 5-2. Wild Things starter Chase Cunningham (4-3) was stellar, going seven innings and allowing two runs, walking one and striking out two on the night.
The Things jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. James Harris and Carter McEachern both singled to start off the game, and then Roman Collins singled home Harris. As Collins stole second base, Rascals catcher Mike Jurgella’s throw into second went into centerfield, allowing McEachern to score. The Wild Things then got back-to-back homers from Hector Roa and Reydel Medina in the fourth to make it 4-0. A Collins RBI double in the seventh made it 5-0. The Rascals’ only runs came on a two-run double from JD Hearn in the seventh, following a single from Zach Lavy and a double from Ransom LaLonde.
Wild Things closer Zach Strecker retired the side in order in the bottom of the ninth for his 12th save of the season. Rascals starter Hector Hernandez (8-3) took his second straight loss, allowing four earned runs in seven innings, walking none and striking out six.
The Rascals (30-28) look to bounce back in the middle game of the series against the Wild Things (32-26) tomorrow night, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 pm CT. Jonny Ortiz will make the start for the Rascals.
