A nine-run explosion in the first inning led the Rio Grande Valley Whitewings (33-24) to a 17-5 win over the McAllen Thunder (20-38) at Harlingen Field on Tuesday.
Jeff Sakowski did his best to prevent defeat.
The McAllen Thunder were led by Sakowski's hitting. Sakowski went 2-4, drove in one and scored two runs. He doubled in the fourth inning and singled in the eighth inning.
The Rio Grande Valley Whitewings couldn't get anything going as long as Sakowski was pitching. Sakowski held the Rio Grande Valley Whitewings hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out three.
Ruddy Yan racked up four RBIs on four hits for the Rio Grande Valley Whitewings. He homered in the first inning and singled in the first, fifth, and sixth innings.
Even though Celson Polanco allowed five runs over five innings he still recorded the victory, his seventh of the season. Polanco struck out seven, walked one and gave up four hits.
Frank James (4-5) took the loss for the McAllen Thunder. He allowed nine runs in one inning, walked none and struck out none.