FL River City Rascals

Blaise Burns Freedom, Rascals Win 3-2

Published on September 2, 2014 under Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


The Rascals spoiled Pete Rose's jersey retirement at UC Health Stadium Tuesday night. The River City Boys overcame a late deficit thanks to a two-run ninth inning homer by Blaise Fernandez to stay atop the division.

Rose, the legendary Cincinatti Red, was honored before and during the game and served as the honorary leadoff man and base coach for the Florence Freedom. Kyle Brady began his night by throwing two balls to Rose before facing the real Freedom lineup. Florence got to him for a run in the third on an RBI single by Cole Miles and added another in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Rolando Gomez to build a 2-0 lead.

The Rascals got one back in the fifth when Joe Staley scored on a throwing error by Bryan Soloman, but they still hardly had momentum on their side. The Freedom continued to threaten to blow the game open, though the Raskie relievers did an excellent job of keeping the Freedom from doing so. Paul Hvozdovic got them to strand the bases loaded and Patrick Crider got them to leave two on in the seventh to keep it a one-run game.

Johnny Morales led off the top of the ninth with a single up the middle. With one out and Morales still aboard, pinch hitter Blaise Fernandez became a hero by taking Freedom starter Casey Henn, who had been threatening to toss a complete game, over the wall in left to give the Rascals a 3-2 lead. It was Fernandez's 2nd homerun in as many appearances and his third of the season.

Gabe Shaw allowed a walk but no runs to close it out for the Rascals and earn his 27th save of the year. The Rascals keep pace with the Boomers with the win and remain tied at the top of the Western Division. They take on the Freedom again tomorrow at 11:05 ET/10:05 CT. Tommy Mendoza is expected to throw the first pitch.

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