WASHINGTON, Pa. — The Washington Wild Things took a 6-0 first-inning lead and rode it to a 9-0 victory over the Slippery Rock Sliders in the first game of a doubleheader Thursday.

In the nightcap, the Wild Things picked up a 5-2 victory to earn the sweep.

In the opener, Ryan Bethel's three-run homer capped the first-inning output, which gave Aaron Ledbetter (14-2) more than enough support. Ledbetter allowed two hits and struck out six in five innings.

Dan Schwartz pitched one inning and was charged with the loss.

The Sliders had three hits, including a double by D.J. Dixon. Four of Washington's nine hits went for home runs.

In Game 2, Washington (53-39) enjoyed a four-run fifth inning to take a 5-2 lead.

Robbie Knapp's three-run homer, his 13th of the season, was the crushing blow.

Anthony Albano had two hits, including a home run, for Slippery Rock (28-64).

The teams play at 7:05 p.m. today, when Washington's Tom Cochran (6-8) will square off against an undetermined starter for Slippery Rock.