By David Kubota
NKyTribune reporter
Clint Freeman and J.D. Hearn scored two runs apiece Sunday as the River City Rascals completed a three-game sweep of the Florence Freedom with a 7-3 victory at UC Health Stadium.
Paul Kronenfeld drove in three runs for River City, which sent Florence to its ninth consecutive loss. The Rascals scored three times in the top of the ninth inning to extend a 4-3 lead into a 7-3 cushion, and the Freedom were unable to generate a rally in their final at-bat.
When the gates opened Sunday, it was Bark in the Park and attendees were encouraged to bring their pets along to the game. Costumed characters from the popular children’s show Paw Patrol were also in attendance.
It wasn’t enough to help the Freedom snap the losing streak, though.
Brandon Pugh and Jacob Wark both collected three hits for Florence, which outhit River City 11-8. Keivan Berges added a solo home run for the Freedom, who have not won since May 23.
Florence starting pitcher Chuck Weaver went six innings and allowed three runs (one earned). He also struck out eight batters and lowered his earned run average to 1.50
Hector Hernandez scattered eight hits in six innings to pick up the victory for River City, which is 14-6 and in first place in the West Division. Florence is 8-12 and in last place in the West Division standings.
The Freedom are back in action at UC Health Stadium on Tuesday as Southern Illinois is in town. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
DUTCH LIONS PLAY TO 1-1 DRAW: The Cincinnati Dutch Lions played to a 1-1 draw with Lansing United on Sunday. Lansing United tallied a goal in the 83rd minute to earn a tie.
In the 29th minute, good pressure from the Lions caused a turnover and a counter. A fine play by Adam Wilson to Austin Smythe resulted in a 1-0 Lions lead. Smythe tallied his first goal and Wilson his first assist on the season.
After back and forth between the two sides, Lansing was awarded a free kick in the 83rd minute. Kosti Moni sailed it into the back of the net, tying the game at a 1-1.
A total of eight yellow cards were assessed during the contest, two to the Lions and six to Lansing, many in the final few minutes.
Searching for their first victory of the season, the Lions play host to the Michigan Bucks on June 8.
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.
