Giants win first game!

The Topeka Golden Giants defeated the Wichita Blackhawks, 6-3, in game one of a opening night doubleheader.

The Blackhawks took an early three run lead as Giants starter Wally Marciel struggled in the top of the first. Matt Thomason came out of the bullpen after the first third of an inning and shut down the Wichita batters, staying in the game through the 6th inning.

By the time closer Jace Hertzog entered the game in the top of the 7th, the Giants had picked up 6 runs. Leadoff hitter Ty Legan scored the Giants first run on Joe Hosey's RBI-double to centerfield in the bottom of the first. Sam Merrill scored in the third, after legging out an infield single, and again the RBI went to Hosey.

Topeka tied the game in the third when Abe Steinbach's sacrifice fly scored fellow Hornet Chris Dobler, who had recently stolen 3rd base after doubling down the right field line. The Giants took the lead in the 5th when a Dobler double scored Legan and Carlson. A Steinbach ground-out later scored Chad Griffen, bringing the Giants' total to six.