May 18, 2013 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom The Freedom bats were silent once again in a 4-1 loss to River City in the finale of a three-game season-opening series at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Stadium.

Rascals starting pitcher Justin Sarratt (W, 1-0) went six innings of one-hit shutout ball to earn his first win of the season. Sarratt held the Freedom hitless through three innings and allowed just two walks.

The game was halted for 55 minutes in the top of the fifth inning due to rain, and once the game resumed, the Rascals bats went to work. The Rascals worked back-to-back walks off of Freedom starter Brandon Mathes (L, 0-1) to open up the sixth inning.

That would be all for Mathes who allowed two runs on three hits in five-plus inning of work. Corey Deighan would enter the game for Florence and would promptly give up a single to centerfielder Evan Crawford to load the bases. Second baseman Andy Scott would then break the scoreless tie with a two-run double. The rascals would score another run one batter later on an RBI groundout by DH Steve Carrillo and would tack on one more later in the sixth on an error.

That would be all the offense the Rascals would need as they allowed just one run to the Freedom, on an eighth inning bases-loaded passed ball by catcher Anthony Foulk. Gabe Shaw (S, 1) would enter with runners on first and second and end the Freedom threat. Shaw would go on to pitch a perfect ninth to record his first save of the season.

The Freedom now have three off days before they are back in action at UCMC Stadium this Wednesday when they take on the Schaumburg Boomers in a double header. First pitch of game one is at 5:45 with game two starting 30 minutes following the conclusion of game one. Gates open at 4:45. Tickets are available at the UCMC Stadium box office or by calling (859) 594-HITS.

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Freedom Bats Silent in 4-1 Loss to Rascals in Series Finale