Y'alls Sink in Series Opener
May 31, 2024 - Frontier League (FL)
Florence Y'alls News Release
FLORENCE, KY - The Florence Y'alls (6-11), presented by Towne Properties, slumped to an 11-5 loss in the series opener against the first place Washington Wild Things (13-5) on Friday night.
It looked like the Y'alls had control after a lead-taking four-run fourth inning, but then it slipped away with Washington's six-run frame the next half inning in the fifth.
Florence starter Ayura Kobayashi strutted through the first four innings of his Frontier League debut allowing two runs on four hits, striking out a pair. Since he was through 75 pitches, Kobayashi was pulled after four frames with a 4-2 lead. Right-hander Gunnar Groen came in and suffered allowing six runs (one earned) in the next frame on four hits with four walks. The sixth wasn't much better with Joe Kemlage returning from an injury and allowing three earned runs on five hits. Right-handed reliever, Darrien Williams, pitched two shutdown innings with five strikeouts and just two hits.
The real fun came in the top of the ninth inning: Y'alls utility infielder Jeremiah Burks hopped atop the bump for his first professional pitching performance. He struck out his first batter on a full count before loading the bases. He forced a ground ball to the fifth batter resulting in a stunning double-play turned by a tag-em-out-throw-em-out effort from second baseman Ed Johnson.
It was a big day for Johnson heading halfway to the cycle with a three-run triple and a double. That three-bagger came with two outs and a two-run deficit in the fourth inning. Left fielder Andrew Lee followed up in the fourth with an R.B.I. double to bring the Y'alls that 4-2 high-watermark.
Florence can avoid dropping its fifth-series of the season with a win on Saturday back at home at Thomas More Stadium. Saturday night marks the first Bluegrass Blowout event for the Y'alls as they celebrate Pirates and Princesses Night. First pitch Saturday is set for 6:35 p.m.
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