Otters Drop the Series Opener to the Florence Freedom
Published on August 31, 2012 under Frontier League (FL)
Evansville Otters News Release
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA - The Evansville Otters fell in the first game of a three game series to the Florence Freedom, 7-2, on Friday night at Historic Bosse Field.
The Otters were held to two hits through the first eight innings as Florence starter Andy Clark was in full control from the start of the game. Clark retired 15 of the first 16 batters, including 13-in-a-row after Otters first baseman Nick Schwaner recorded a two-out single in the bottom of the first.
The Freedom jumped to an early lead in the second inning against Otters' left handed starter Matt Zielinski. First baseman Drew Rundle hit a lead-off double down the right field line. After a ground out advanced him to third, center fielder John Malloy drove him home on a fielder's choice.
Zielinski then walked the next batter and gave up a two-RBI double to second baseman Pierre LePage, making the score 3-0.
The score stayed the same until the top of the eighth when Malloy led the inning off with a home run to right field.
Down 4-0, the Otters threatened in the bottom of the eighth. Second baseman Luis Parache led off with a two-base error by right fielder Peter Fatse. After advancing on a fly ball out from designated hitter Dan Killian, Parache was left stranded after catcher Brent Walters struck out and left fielder Runey Davis flew out to left field.
Florence responded for three runs in the top of the ninth capped off by a two-RBI double from Malloy.
Evansville broke Clark's two-hit shutout attempt in the ninth. Center fielder Matt Sheely hit a one-out triple to right field, then scored on a throwing error for the Otters' first run. Schwaner followed with a double to right centerfield, then scored on third baseman Steve Marino's RBI double. Clark then forced a flyout off the bat of Parache to end the game.
Clark threw a complete game, allowing two runs on five hits, earning his third win of the season. Zielinski threw 6.0 innings, tallying three runs and six hits for his seventh loss of the season.
The Evansville Otters will look to even the series with the Freedom on Saturday night. Evansville right hander Bryce Morrow (8-7, 4.07) faces Florence righty Brad Allen (3-1, 1.05). First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. CDT at Historic Bosse Field.
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