May 25, 2013 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom Joliet, IL-The Florence Freedom(3-4) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead but couldn't hang on as the Joliet Slammers(4-3) went on to defeat the Freedom 6-4 in game one of a three game series.

Eric Groff hit a solo homerun for the Freedom in the first inning against Slammer starter Chuck Lofgren(2-0) to give the Freedom the early advantage. Groff led the Freedom with two hits.

The Slammers took the lead though for good in the third inning on an RBI single by Matthew Scruggs and a two run single by Michael Wing.

The Freedom drew closer in the sixth inning on an RBI single by Byron Wiley to cut the deficit to 3-2. After the Slammers added three runs in the seventh, the Freedom started a comeback which would ultimately fall short.

In the eighth, the Freedom scored two runs on a throwing error by third baseman Kyle Maunus to make the game 6-4.

Lofgren earned the win, pitching seven innings allowing four hits while striking out eight. Justice French(0-2) took the loss as he went three innings allowing 4 hits on three runs. French had to leave the game after the third inning after a collision at home plate where he caught the ball from catcher Jim Jacquot while Javan Williams was trying to score on a wild pitch.

The Freedom and Slammers will play game two of their series tomorrow night as the Freedom will have RHP Brandon Mathes(0-1,3.60) take the mound against RHP Brett Zawacki(0-1, 3.60) The game can be heard with Steve Jarnicki starting at 6:50 pm on 1320 AM and gospel1320.com.

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Freedom Fall to Slammers 6-4