FLORENCE, KY–The River City Rascals did it again. After falling behind 5-2 in the third inning to the Florence Freedom, they mounted an epic comeback to win 6-5 in ten innings on Saturday night at UC Health Stadium. The Rascals lead the series 2-0 and sent the Freedom to their eighth straight loss.
The Rascals got out to an early 2-0 lead on an RBI fielder’s choice from Braxton Martinez in the first inning and a RBI single from Connor Oliver in the second. The Freedom countered with a five-run third inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from former Cal tight end Jake Wark in his Frontier League debut.
The Rascals made it a one-run game in the seventh after Clint Freeman’s two out, two-run double down the right field line, and tied it in the eighth on Dylan Woods’ sacrifice fly. Neither team scored in the ninth and the Rascals took the 6-5 lead on Paul Kronenfeld’s double, scoring Kevin Suarez from first base.
Despite allowing a leadoff single to the Freedom’s Andre Mercurio, Rascals closer Cody Mincey recovered to retire the next three Freedom hitters in order, striking out the last two, to seal the win and earn his seventh save.
Joe Iorio (2-0) took the win for the Rascals, pitching a scoreless ninth. Starter Lucas Laster went 6.1 innings, allowing five earned runs and striking out six.
Freedom reliever Zach Kirby (0-1) took the loss, and Florence starter Jordan Kraus went six innings, allowing four runs and striking out five.
Woods finished with three hits on the night, including a double.
The Rascals (13-6) look for the series sweep over the Freedom (8-11) tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 2:35 pm ET, 1:35 pm CT. Hector Hernandez will make the start for the Rascals.
