Rodriguez's Two Homers Lead Freedom to Victory

August 22, 2012 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom Florence, KY-Eddie Rodriguez launched two solo homeruns on Wednesday night leading the Florence Freedom(48-38) past the Joliet Slammers(35-51) 6-4. It was the Freedom's fourth straight win as they trail the wild card race by 1.5 games with ten games to play. Rodriguez led the Freedom going 3-4 with 3 RBI.

The Slammers jumped out quickly on Freedom starter Andy Clark. Patrick Norris drove the first pitch of the game over the right center field wall to give Joliet a 1-0 lead. The Freedom's Rodriguez came back in the 2nd inning and took Joliet starter Jacob Sanchez deep on just one pitch to tie the game. It was his 11th of the season. With the Freedom trailing 2-1 in the 3rd, Pierre LePage led off the inning with a single to right field. Then David Harris doubled to right field. The Slammers right fielder David Christensen was charged with a throwing error on his throw to second base which allowed LePage to score from third and tie the game at 2-2. Junior Arrojo then got down a perfectly executed bunt up the third base line advancing Harris to third. Peter Fatse then hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Harris to put the Freedom ahead 3-2. With Rodriguez at the plate, Arrojo stole his 27th base of the season to get into scoring position. Rodriguez then drove him in on an RBI single to give Florence a 4-2 lead.

The Slammers came back in the 7th. Brennan Flick walked back to back hitters to start the inning. After a double steal by Christensen and Kyle Maunus, Andrew Brauer singled back up the middle against Matt Kline(2-3) scoring both runners and tying the game at 4-4. Kline then retired the next three batters to end the inning.

The Freedom went back to work in their 7th against Ray Cotillla(0-2). There were two outs in the inning when the Freedom started their rally. Stephen Cardullo singled, stole second base, and advanced to third on a wild pitch. LePage then ripped a single into left field to break the tie and give the Freedom a 5-4 lead. The Freedom extended the lead to 6-4 in the 8th on Rodriguez's second homer of the night and his 12th of the season. It was also his 5th homerun over the last four games.

Jorge Marban came on in the 9th and nailed down his 11th save of the season. Kline recorded his second straight win out of the bullpen in as many nights.

The Freedom can sweep Joliet Thursday night as their three game series concludes. Joliet will feature RHP Tommy Mendoza(4-5, 4.40) as the Freedom will counter with RHP Brad Allen(1-1, 1.54). The game can be heard starting at 6:50 with Steve Jarnicki on Real Talk 1160 AM and realtalk1160.com.

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Rodriguez's Two Homers Lead Freedom to Victory