Pache Delivers Late Blow as Florida Takes Down Tampa
Published on May 26, 2018 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Florida Fire Frogs News Release
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Cristian Pache drilled a two-run single in the eighth inning against Matt Frawley to turn a 5-4 deficit into a 6-5 advantage for the Florida Fire Frogs against the Tampa Tarpons on Saturday night at Osceola County Stadium, staging the home team's come-from-behind victory.
The Fire Frogs entered the eighth inning trailing by two, when Frawley (0-2) walked Braxton Davidson (0x3, R, BB) to start the frame. Ray-Patrick Didder (1x3, R, RBI) singled and Taylor Murphy (1x2, R, 2 BB) drew the second free pass of the inning to load the bases for Lucas Herbert (0x4, RBI) who bounced out to third with Davidson scoring on the play.
Pache dug in with runners at second and third, and roped a 2-2 pitch into left to bring home both men and give Florida (21-24) the one-run lead.
Sean McLaughlin (SV, 2) worked a perfect ninth to secure Saturday's win.
Tampa (25-22) used a two-out rally to plate three runs against Connor Johnstone in the opening frame. Alexander Palmer walked, and Dom Thompson-Williams doubled the runner home. Isiah Giliam followed with an RBI single to right, and advanced to second on the throw to the plate. Hoy Jun Park collected his first RBI on the night with a double to left.
Johnstone settled down after the first, given up just one hit through his remaining two innings in the spot start.
The Fire Frogs knotted the game at three with its first three-spot of the game in the fourth, with Jordan Rodgers (1x5, R) picking up the first hit of the game for Florida to lead off the inning. Brett Cumberland (1x4, R, BB) singled the runner over to third, and Kurt Hoekstra (0x2, R, 2 BB) bounced a ball to Angel Aguilar at third. The third baseman's throw to the plate was not handled by Kellin Deglan, and Rodgers slid home safely for the first run of the game for the home team.
Garrison Schwartz (1x4, RBI) smashed a single off the glove of a diving Brandon Wagner at first, plating Cumberland to pull Florida within a run. Two batters later, Didder sent a sacrifice fly to center to push across Hoekstra for the tying run.
Troy Bacon gave up back-to-back doubles to Diego Castillo and Palma to start the fifth, giving the Tarpons their second lead of the game. Park drove home the insurance run with a single to center to push Florida's deficit to two.
Jon Kennedy (4-2) worked three scoreless frames in relief of Bacon, helping to set up the late comeback in the winning effort.
Florida goes for the series victory in the finale of the four-game set at Osceola County Stadium on Sunday morning. LHP Kyle Muller (0-0, 3.95) toes the rubber for the Fire Frogs against the Tarpons' RHp Albert Abreu (1-1, 5.40). First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., with coverage beginning at 10:45 a.m. with the Florida Fire Frogs Pregame Show on the Florida Fire Frogs Broadcasting Network.
Sunday marks the return of Brunch & Baseball at Osceola County Stadium. All ladies, 21 & older, who attend a Fire Frogs game on a Sunday will be treated to a free brunch at the ballpark! Food will be served from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Complementary Bloody Mary's, Mimosas and Beermosas will be served from 10 a.m. - noon. All gentlemen, 21 & older, will have a $10 upgrade with admission.
Florida State League Stories from May 26, 2018
- Fort Myers Drops Rain Shortened Game, 2-0 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Tortugas Suspended Saturday Night - Daytona Tortugas
- Diaz Deals Through Five, But Bats Silent in Loss - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Stone Crabs Win Rain-Shortened Shutout 2-0 - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Pache Delivers Late Blow as Florida Takes Down Tampa - Florida Fire Frogs
- Marauders and Hammerheads Postponed - Bradenton Marauders
- Florida Fire Frogs Game Notes: May 26, 2018 - Florida Fire Frogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
