The Florence Freedom fell to the Normal CornBelters by a score of 3-2 in 11 innings on Thursday night.
Normal started the 11th inning with a runner on a second base thanks to the International Rule. The CornBelters loaded the bases with only one out and Jason Merjano drove in Pat McKenna on fielder’s choice for the game-winning run.
Florence starter Patrick McGrath tossed six innings allowing two runs on five hits. The rookie out of Belmont University fanned four and picked up the no decision.
Florence got on the board in the top half of the second. Frazier Hall walked, and moved to third on a Collins Cuthrell double. Andrew Godbold drove in Hall with an RBI ground-out. Florence held a 1-0 lead after one and a half innings of play.
The CornBelters scored runs in the fourth and sixth innings to take the lead.
Florence tied the game in the ninth. Austin Newell singled to lead off the frame. Hall singled to right field, and Ozney Guillen booted the ball allowing Newell to reach third. Cuthrell plated Newell on a RBI single to tie the game at two heading to the bottom half of the ninth.
Seth Harvey, Ed Kohout and Tony Vocca were called upon out of the bullpen. Harvey tossed two scoreless innings, fanning three. Kohout pitched a scoreless ninth inning. Vocca (3-3) was a hard luck loser, allowing only the runner placed at second due to the international rule to score in his inning and a third on the hill.
The Freedom return to action against the Gateway Grizzlies at UC Health Stadium Friday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Click here to see more about promotions planned for the weekend series.
From Freedom Communications