LYNCHBURG, V.A. - The Wilson Warbirds never trailed as they jumped out to 7-0 lead on Thursday night and coasted past the Hill City Howlers 7-3 at City Stadium.
Wilson (33-27) opened the scoring with single tallies in the first and second innings off Joey Oakie (L, 0-4) when Juan Ortuno singled home the first run of the game and Handelfry Encarnacion grounded out in the second for a 2-0 advantage.
The Warbirds added three more runs in the fourth when Ebel connected on a three-run home run, his second in as many games and his fourth of the season to stretch the lead to 5-0.
Wilson capped their scoring in the fifth on RBI hits from Frederi Montero and Filippo Di Turi to a 7-0 cushion.
Hayden Robinson (W, 1-1) earned his first win as a Warbird working 3.2 innings out of the bullpen allowing two runs and fanning six.
Hill City (28-33) scored twice in the eighth and once in the ninth, but it would not be enough as the Warbirds claimed their second consecutive victory in the series.
The clubs meet again on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. when Wilson gives the ball to right-hander Carlos Carra (2-5, 5.25) while Hill City counters with righty Jacob Zibin (0-0, 4.25)
The Warbirds return home on Tuesday, June 16 to face the Charleston RiverDogs. Tickets for the series, which includes Margaritaville Night, Girl Scout Night and Father’s Day are currently available at WilsonWarbirds.com or by calling (919) 269-2287.