Long Balls, Walks Down Howlers Against Wilson

The Wilson Warbirds stole game one of the series over the Hill City Howlers behind a trio of long-balls, giving them a 6-3 win on Tuesday night.

Wilson finished the night with three blasts before walks buried Hill City in the seventh. The loss overshadowed an outstanding bullpen appearance from Aaron Savary, throwing two innings, striking out three and avoiding any runs despite a leadoff error.

After a quiet first two frames, a leadoff walk opened the door for Johan Rodriguez to smash his third home run of the season. Rodriguez dug out a fastball and carried it over the left field wall, putting Hill City up 2-0.

The Howlers held the lead until the fifth inning. Rylan Mills and Jose Anderson opened up the inning with back-to-back blasts, knotting the game at two.

Brailyn Antunez broke the tie with a solo shot in the sixth, his third home run in just seven games at the Single A level.

Three runs scored in the top of the seventh inning for Wilson, jolting them in front 6-2. A two-run double from Handelfry Encarnacion provided insurance before a groundout from Brady Ebul tacked on the final run of the frame.

Yeiferth Castillo helped the Howlers get a run back in the bottom of the frame as his sacrifice fly scored Jonathan Martinez from third, moving Hill City to within three.

However, the Howlers could not scrap across any more damage as Tyler Renz shut down Hill City for the final few frames.

Hill City and the Warbirds will face off for game two of the series on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at City Stadium. Tickets are available at hchowlers.com.