River City edges Florence in 10 innings on Saturday, 6-5; Freedom losing streak now at eight games

By David Kubota
NKyTribune reporter

Paul Kronenfeld’s run-scoring double in the top of the 10th inning snapped a 5-all tie and lifted River City to a 6-5 win over the Florence Freedom on Saturday night, sending the hosts to their eighth consecutive defeat.

Reliever Cody Mincey came on in the bottom of the 10th and struck out two batters to record the save for River City. The Rascals — who plated a run in the eighth inning to even the score at 5-all — are in first place in the West Division with a 13-6 record.

As the gates opened, fans were treated to Martial Arts Night. The Freedom welcomed both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Power Rangers to the concourse.

In addition, various martial arts schools from the area also gave demonstrations of martial arts moves at UC Health Stadium.

After spotting River City a 2-0 lead, the Freedom used a five-run outburst in the third inning to gain a 5-2 advantage. Jacob Wark’s three-run homer highlighted the Florence rally in the third.

Andre Mercurio was 3-for-4 with a double and scored a run for the Freedom, who have not won since May 23. Keivan Berges added two hits for Florence.

Freedom starting pitcher Jordan Kraus went six innings, allowing seven hits and four earned runs. He also finished with five strikeouts.

Florence (8-11 record) will attempt to salvage the final game of the series on Sunday at 2:35 p.m.

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.