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FL River City Rascals

Rascals Overcome Adversity, Sweep Series over Freedom

May 20, 2016 - Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


The River City Rascals used six different pitchers and Dominique Taylor provided three RBI's as the Rascals swept the Freedom with a one run victory, 6-5, Thursday night in Florence, Kentucky.

Although it ended up being a very exciting game, the start was scary for the Rascals (3-2) as scheduled starter Tim Koons had to leave the stadium with a health issue after tossing warmup pitches.

Manager Steve Brook turned to rookie Vin Roth to make a spot start, and the Freedom jumped out to an early 3-0 lead off three hits and two walks, including a two-out, two RBI double from Josh Henderson.

The Rascals answered back in the following frame with two consecutive baserunners, a walk from Josh Silver and a single from Griff Gordon. Willi Martin moved both runners into scoring position with a ground out and then Freedom starter Clayton Crum, who pitched two innings for the Rascals last season, walked Mike Jurgella to load the bases. Rookie Robby Enslen delivered a RBI single and Dominque Taylor got the Rascals within one the following pitch with a sacrifice fly.

Joe Pavlovich took the mound for the second inning but was only able to face two batters. After retiring the first hitter, the returner tweaked a muscle in his leg the following batter and had to leave the game.

Already down three pitchers, Rascals manager turned to lefty Michael Gunn and he would go on to strike out five of his first six batters he faced. The Rascals offense carried that momentum and took the lead in the 4th inning, thanks to Taylor's two RBI single. The inning began with a Griff Gordon walk, making it four consecutive innings the Rascals would reach to open up a frame.

"Gunn was the difference maker in the game for us, shutting the door in the ninth and giving us a chance to come back which we did," Manager Steve Brook said.

The Rascals wouldn't be able to hold on to the slim lead as Austin Newell tied the game up in the bottom of the fifth with a RBI single scoring Daniel Fraga. Seventh year manager Steve Brook brought in Will Schierholz from the bullpen and he kept it tied going into the sixth.

In doing so, he was able to earn the win as the Griff Gordon was hit by a pitch putting the Rascals up for the remainder of the game.

"Griff has put together some great at-bats this year, I knew he would come through with the RBI to give us that lead," Schierholz said. "He left it up to the bullpen to finish out the game and the guys did a great job putting up a few more zeros to give us the win."

Josh Ludy hit his first homerun of the season in the eighth to give the Rascals a two run lead. However, Florence came within one on a RBI groundout and the tying run on second. Zac Treece replaced Nick Kennedy for the final out and shut the door in the ninth, earning his first save of the season.

"Tonight's the biggest team win that we have this season, we had to overcome a lot of adversity. Dealing with two major injuries, Guys pitching out of positions, Michael Gunn throwing several innings and more," Brook said. "Offensively, I am really proud of our guys. We were able to answer back whenever they scored runs."

Following the series sweep, the Rascals open up a nine-game homestand tomorrow night against the Gateway Grizzlies.

"It's going to be awesome, it feels like we have been on the road forever," said Dominique Taylor, who had three RBI's and a five game hitting streak. "I heard the fans are great and I can't wait to get that home support."

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 with Zeb Sneed on the mound for River City. Tickets can be purchased at rivercityrascals.com and fans unable to make it to the game can tune in at rascals.caster.fm.

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