WASHINGTON, Pa. - The Washington Wild Things managed just eight hits in their doubleheader Sunday against Chillicothe and struck out more times than they reached base. Such a performance against an undefeated team normally spells a team's doom. But this season has been anything but normal for the Wild Things. Washington took advantage of the few hits it produced and enjoyed terrific pitching, giving Chillicothe its first two losses of the season. "Pitching and defense is how we're going to win games, and that's what won these games today," Washington Manager Jeff Isom said after watching his team win both games by the identical score, 3-2. Washington (5-3) has won four of its first five home games, but none of those victories have come easily. Seven of Washington's first eight games have been decided by one run, including the last six. "Well, at least we're winning them," Isom said. "We need to start getting people on base before we hit these home runs. The solo shots are nice, but we need to do better at the top of our lineup." In the opener, Washington catcher Josh Loggins hit a home run in the sixth that was every bit as important to the outcome as it was symbolic. Loggins' blast to left center hit off the number "4" on the scoreboard, which represented the four Chillicothe (5-2) errors. After Jon Cahill's two-out single in the third gave Washington a 1-0 lead, Chillicothe left fielder Doug Dreher dropped a routine fly ball, allowing Cahill to score. Loggins' home run gave Washington an important insurance run, because starting picher Nick Aiello got into a jam in the final inning, allowing the tying run to reach second. But closer Anthony Kozol quickly struck out two batters and recorded a ground out to end the game, earning his second save and assuring the Wild Things of at least a split. Aiello pitched well in his first start of the season. "I felt good out there," he said. "I think I was a little bit too pumped up in the last inning. But everyone on this team is close, and we all pick each other up. Today, Kozol picked me up in the last inning." For most of the second game, it looked like Washington would have to settle for a split. Chillicothe starting pitcher Jeff Hunter dominated the Wild Things early, striking out nine batters in his first five innings. The Paints scored two unearned runs in the fourth when Washington starting pitcher Clayton Ewen opened the flood gates by dropping what would have been the inning's third out. Adrian Gascon Jr and J.R. Revere followed with RBI singles. Punchless through five innings, Washington suddenly broke up Hunter's no hitter in the sixth with back-to-back homers that tied the game. Jay Coakley led off the sixth with a home run to left center, slicing the lead in half. On the next pitch, first basemen Zach Cates hit a blast into the parking lot past right field, tying the game. The game went to extra innings, but Washington finally stole the contest in the eighth. (Doubleheaders in the Frontier League consist of two seven-inning games.) With one out, Joel Buchenauer and Cahill hit consecutive singles, sending Buchenauer to third. Jason Kane then fouled off four pitches before sending a slow roller to shortstop Nick Elrod. Buchenauer easily beat the throw, giving the Wild Things another dramatic victory. "Kane had a great at-bat," Isom said. "He battled off a lot of good pitches. I wanted him to put the ball in play, and that's exactly what he did." NOTES- The series concludes tonight at 7:05...Boston Red Sox infielder Kevin Millar, a former Frontier League player, will be on hand to throw out the first pitch...Steelers' quarterback Tommy Maddox will host a celebrity softball game Tuesday night at Falconi Field...Sunday's attendance was 3,021.