CarL1 Frederick Keys

Florence homer seals victory for second straight night

Published on June 12, 2005 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release


FREDERICK, MD - For the second consecutive game Branden Florence made the difference with his bat, hitting a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, as the Frederick Keys (31-31) defeated the Potomac Nationals, (28-34) 3-0.

With the win the Keys move back to .500, with their fourth consecutive win, their longest winning streak of the season. The Keys also moved ahead of Potomac 3-2 to take the edge in their season series.

The Keys got started in the bottom of the first inning, as Armando Galarraga walked Jeff Fiorentino, before Nick Markakis reached on a fielding error by second baseman Greg Thissen. Branden Florence then hit a three-run home run, his second in two days, over the left field wall to give the Keys a 3-0 lead.

From then on the 5,463 fans in attendance witnessed a pitcher's duel between Adam Loewen and Galarraga, two of the Carolina League's premier starters, as the game remained scoreless.

Adam Loewen (2-3) earned his second win in 13 starts, tossing 6.1 shutout innings, allowing six hits, while striking out eight and walking none. Chris Britton pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief striking out three. Marino Salas earned his fourth save of the season and second in as many days, tossing a perfect ninth inning striking out two.

Galarraga (2-4) took the loss, allowing three runs, two earned on three hits, while striking out eight and walking one.

KEYNOTES: The future Heidi Rinaldi accepted a marriage proposal from Robert Rinaldi in between the sixth inning of Saturday night's game. The proposal was the second one to take place at Harry Grove Stadium during the 2005 season. The Keys are 2-0 when marriage proposals are accepted during the 2005 season.

The Keys and Nationals play the final game of their three game series on Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. RHP Brian Finch will go for the Keys against LHP Brett Price. Sunday is Sunday Family Fun Day presented by The Washington Post. Fans can play catch on the field before the game and get autographs from players in the Giant Eagle Fun Zone. All kids in attendance will be able to run the bases at the end of the game.

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Carolina League Stories from June 12, 2005


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