Behind Six-Run Sixth, Florence Beats Washington, 9-3
WASHINGTON, Pa. – After four, back-and-forth innings to start game two of a three-game set in Florence, the host Freedom (18-8) used a six-run, sixth inning to win the series, defeating the Wild Things (13-13) by a final score of 9-3.
The scoring was started by Florence in the second inning Garrett Vail, last night’s walk-off hero, doubled home Jordan Brower. The teams traded two runs apiece in the third inning, with the visiting Wild Things scoring on a run-scoring single by left fielder Bralin Jackson and a fielder’s choice off the bat of right fielder Hector Roa. The latter gave Washington a 2-1 lead. Florence answered with two of its own in the home half, on a groundout by Jose Brizuela and a single by Connor Tekyl.
Washington was able to tie the game again at three in the fourth on an RBI double by centerfielder Rashad Brown. However, after four, consecutive, scoreless half innings, Florence took the lead for good with a six-run, sixth inning. The first run came in on a balk after the bases were loaded by Trevor Belicek, who was relieved by Wild Things’ reliever Jordan Schwartz. After Schwartz’ balk, a fielder’s choice put the Freedom up 5-3, before Brizuela hit a grand slam to make it 9-3, a score that ended up the final.
Aaron Burns got a no decision for Washington after tossing five innings of three-run ball. The loss went to Belicek, who was charged with two runs and managed to only get one out before Schwartz and Matt Sabel worked the rest of the game. Schwartz surrendered four runs. For Florence, Jordan Kraus pitched a complete game, allowing six hits and three earned runs while walking two and striking out seven.
Game three will be an opporunity for Florence to sweep the series as the Wild Things look to avoid the sweep at the hands of the Freedom for the second time this season. Chase Cunningham will take the hill for Washington with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, June 10.
