FL Florence Y'alls

Freedom Fall as Grizzlies Salvage Series Split

June 11, 2018 - Frontier League (FL)
Florence Y'alls News Release


SAUGET, Il - One night after a bitter shutout loss in which the Florence Freedom, presented by Titan Mechanical Solutions, tallied just two hits, they plated just one run on four hits in an, 8-1, defeat at the hands of the Gateway Grizzlies on Monday, swallowing a series split at GCS Credit Union Ballpark.

Florence (11-15) got off to a hot start in the bottom of the first, tallying two of their four hits in the frame including Keivan Berges' third home run of the year, a solo-shot, that put the Freedom in front of Gateway (13-15), 1-0, after one.

Steve Hagen (3-2) had the makings of a brilliant start early, but after the Grizzlies plated two runs on four hits in the second, it was a four-run sixth that would skew his final line. Blake Brown and Jonathon Piron both notched long-balls in the frame, the first two home runs Hagen has allowed in 2018. Johonniel Alvarez would plate another run of insurance before it was all said and done, following a Joel McKeithan walk and stolen base with an RBI-single as the Grizzlies took a commanding, 6-1, lead.

Hagen finished the night having tossed six innings allowing six runs, all earned, with one walk and four strikeouts en route to his second loss of the season.

Mike Elwood (2-1) kept Freedom hitters on their front foot all night long, turning in a masterful pitching performance to the tune of seven one run innings allowing just three Freedom hits while racking up four walks and six strikeouts.

With Florence reliever Eric Gleese on the mound in the bottom of the seventh, Gateway started another rally courtesy back-to-back free passes to start the frame. Southpaw Patrick McGrath would enter the game with nobody out and the two runners at first and second, but could not keep the Grizzlies from cashing. After Trae Santos loaded the bases with a sharp single to left, a Terry McClure sacrifice fly increased the Grizzlies lead to six before an RBI-single by Justin Ellison made the score, 8-1, the eventual final.

Florence will enjoy an off day on Tuesday before welcoming the Windy City Thunderbolts to UC Health Stadium for a doubleheader on Wednesday. The Gateway home-stand will continue tomorrow with a 7:05 first pitch against the Washington Wild Things.

The Florence Freedom are members of the Independent Frontier League and play all home games at UC Health Stadium located at 7950 Freedom Wayin Florence, KY. The Freedom can be found online at florencefreedom.com, or by phone at (859) 594-4487.

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