Warbirds Doubled Up in Series Opening Loss

Anderson Stays Hot With Homer

By Wilson Warbirds

June 9, 2026

WILSON, N.C. - The Wilson Warbirds fell behind early against the Hill City Howlers and were unable to erase a double-digit deficit, falling 12-6 in the series opener at Bank of the James Stadium on Tuesday night. Wilson (31-27) fell behind as Hill City (28-30) plated three in the bottom

WILSON, N.C. - The Wilson Warbirds fell behind early against the Hill City Howlers and were unable to erase a double-digit deficit, falling 12-6 in the series opener at Bank of the James Stadium on Tuesday night.

Wilson (31-27) fell behind as Hill City (28-30) plated three in the bottom of the first inning to take a 3-0 lead.

After a scoreless second inning, the Howlers kept their foot on the gas, scoring six runs in the third to take a whopping 9-0 advantage. Wilson starter Enderson Mercado (L, 2-3) was lifted in the third inning and charged with the loss, allowing all nine runs.

Hill City added another three runs in the bottom of the fourth to take an insurmountable 12-0 lead over the Warbirds.

Wilson tried its best to fight back, with an RBI double from Filippo Di Turi in the fifth inning and a two-RBI single in the sixth from Brady Ebel. After six frames, the Warbirds were only down 12-5.

Jose Anderson mashed his league-leading 14th home run in the top of the seventh inning to bring the game to 12-6, but the Warbirds were unable to score after that.

Ryan DeSanto (W, 2-0) tossed five innings of one-run ball to earn the win for the Howlers.

The two teams will meet again on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Wilson will send RHP Jarrette Bonet (1-4, 5.98) to the mound, looking to even the series at one game apiece. Bonet will be opposed by LHP Nelson Keljo (0-3, 4.22).

The Warbirds return home on Tuesday, June 16, against the Charleston RiverDogs. Tickets for that series are still available at WilsonWarbirds.com or by calling (919) 269-2287.