One swing, bounce beats Wild Things
O’FALLON, Mo. – Will Block hit a two-run homer and three River City pitchers combined on a six-hit shutout Sunday as the Rascals defeated the Wild Things, 2-0, and swept the three-game series.
Block’s home run came in the third inning off Washington starting pitcher Shawn Blackwell (4-8). The ball hit the top of the right-centerfield wall and bounced over for Block’s 11th homer of the season.
Winning pitcher Craig Goodman (7-3) combined with relievers Nick Kennedy and Patrick Crider on the shutout, which kept the Rascals in playoff contention.
Washington had a chance to score in the eighth when C.J. Beatty’s double moved A.J. Ninziato to third base with one out. Quincy Latimore then flied out to left field, but Beatty was thrown out trying to advance to third base for the inning’s final out before Nunziato touched home plate.
Tim Williams had three of Washington’s six hits. Blackwell scattered nine hits over 6 2/3 innings.