Howlers Erupt for 12 Runs, 14 Hits in Win

The Hill City Howlers used 14 hits to down the Wilson Warbirds 12-5 on Wednesday evening.

Every Howlers hitter reached at least two times in the win. All but one came around to score in the ballgame. Jonathan Martinez finished with four RBIs, Victor Izturiz followed with three of his own.

A sloppy second inning for the Howlers allowed the Warbirds to take an early 3-0 advantage. Three errors and a pair of walks contributed to the three-spot.

The Howlers chipped away in the bottom of the second inning as Jonathan Martinez led off the frame with a solo blast. He’d contribute again in the third inning with a two-run double, knotting the game at three.

In the fourth, Yerlin Luis came around on a triple from Dauri Fernandez to give Hill City their first lead of the ballgame.

Riley Nelson worked himself around to score in the fifth inning. After a leadoff walk, he swiped second before advancing to third on an overthrow from the catcher. Then, a passed ball opened the door for him to scamper home for the added insurance.

The bottom of the sixth saw more Howlers damage. A sacrifice fly from Fernandez scored another, putting Hill City up 6-3. Victor Izturis delivered the knockout blow with a bases clearing double, putting the Howlers up 9-3.

Brailyn Antunez continued his tear through the Carolina League with his fourth home run in eight games, a prodigious blast to left field, trimming the Howlers lead to five.

The Howlers were not done as they tacked on three more in the bottom of the eighth. Jonathan Martinez picked up RBI number four with a line drive single. Jose Pirela followed suit with a bomb over the right field wall, putting Hill City up 12-4.

Angel Perez finished up the ninth, but not before firing three wild pitches, allowing one more run to score for the Warbirds.

Hill City and Wilson will square off again on Thursday night at City Stadium with first pitch at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at hchowlers.com.