Marvel superheroes visit Florence on Friday, watch Freedom defeat Slammers, 12-6

By David Kubota
NKyTribune reporter

Superheroes invaded UC Health Stadium on Friday as the Florence Freedom took on the Juliet Slammers.

Not to be outdone by the masked defenders of justice already in the stadium, the Freedom improved to 2-0 in the series against the Slammers with a 12-6 victory.

As doors opened, attendees were able to get pictures with numerous members of Marvel’s costumed cast. Children were thrilled to see their costumed heroes in person. Families with kids of all ages took photos with the heroes.

The latest Marvel film, Avengers: Infinity War, recently passed $1 billion worldwide box office earnings, making the costumed heroes a hot commodity.

The Juliet Slammers also started off hot on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead when Danny Zardon hit a solo homer to begin the second inning. Florence starter Cody Gray settled down and did not allow another run during the next five innings, retiring seven straight batters.

In the bottom of the second, Florence answered by sending 10 men to the plate during a five-run frame.

Jordan Brower put the Freedom in front 2-1 when he smashed a Scot Hoffman pitch into the right-field bullpen, driving in Xavier Turner. Later with the bases loaded, Connor Crane’s single plated two more runs to give the Freedom a 4-1 advantage. Jose Brizuela then hit an RBI single, making it 5-1.

After a Turner double, Brower hit a line-drive single that increased the lead 6-1 in the third inning.

In the fourth, Brandon Pugh singled and scored on Brizuela’s two-run homer to the opposite field that put the Freedom up, 8-1.

By the end of the fourth, the Freedom owned an 11-1 lead. Joliet, however, quieted the Florence bats and allowed just one more run.

In the top of the eighth, Joliet scored five runs off two doubles and a single, cutting the Florence lead to 12-6. Jonathon Tripp closed the ninth inning with two strikeouts, sealing the Florence victory.

Following the game, there were superhero-themed fireworks shows. Florence hopes to sweep Joliet, taking on the visitors Saturday night at UC Health Stadium.

David Kubota is a Scripps Howard Foundation intern at the NKyTribune this summer. He is a student at the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media.