Florence Takes Game One Behind Four-RBI Night from Andrew Godbold
WASHINGTON, Pa. - Despite a strong outing from Wild Things’ starter Trevor Foss and a late lead, the Wild Things dropped game one of their best of five divisional series against the Florence Freedom in 11 innings, 5-3.
It was a quick start for the West Division champs, as the first three hitters reached against Foss, on a walk, single and run-scoring double. The first blow came from Collins Cuthrell, as Florence went up 1-0 on the double, before extending the early advantage to 2-0 on a groundout by Andrew Godbold.
For six innings, Florence starter Jordan Kraus stifled the Wild Things’ bats, as he threw six scoreless before being knocked around in the seventh for three runs. Kane Sweeney walked to start the frame before Hector Roa went opposite field to right for a two-run home run to tie the game at 2 apiece. Later in the inning, Mike Hill doubled home Kyle Pollock, and the Wild Things took a 3-2 lead.
Foss had been dealing after the first. He put up seven straight zeros including the eighth inning, in which he struck out his 12th and 13th batters of the game. He’d end up striking out a 14th in the ninth but not before Godbold delivered a game-tying home run to left, evening the game at three.
After the Wild Things were retired in order in the ninth, neither team would score in the 10th. With two on in the 11th, Godbold doubled to center, plating two and giving Florence a 5-3 lead. The RBI were his third and fourth of the night.
Washington managed to bring the tying run to the plate in the home half, before Pete Perez closed the door, giving Florence a 5-3 victory, and a 1-0 series lead.
The series now flips to game two, which will be played tomorrow night at Wild Things Park, Wednesday, September 6. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
