NKyTribune staff
The Gateway Grizzlies salvaged a split of their four-game series with the Florence Freedom by posting an 8-1 victory on Monday night at GCS Credit Union Ballpark.
Leading 2-1, Gateway scored four times in the sixth inning to extend its advantage to 6-1. The Grizzlies added two more runs in the seventh and cruised behind the pitching of Mike Elwood, who scattered three hits in seven innings and finished with six strikeouts.
Florence took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Keivan Berges hammered a solo home run. Gateway countered in the second inning with a pair of runs to gain a 2-1 edge and never trailed again.
Trae Santos went 3-for-5 at the plate and scored twice for Gateway, while teammate Jonathan Piron drove in three runs.
Freedom starting pitcher Steve Hagen went 5 2/3 innings and allowed six earned runs on nine hits. He also struck out four batters.
The victory allowed Gateway to salvage a split of the four-game series. Florence had won games on Friday and Saturday before dropping the final two contests.
Florence returns to action Wednesday by hosting Windy City in a doubleheader at UC Health Stadium. The first game is scheduled for 5:35 p.m.
