NKyTribune staff
The Florence Freedom fell just short of its ultimate goal, a Frontier League Championship, Monday night.
The Freedom took an early lead, but could not hold on, falling to the River City Rascals, 7-5 in the decisive Game 5 of the FLCS at UC Health Stadium in Florence.
The back-and-forth series saw each team win a game on the road, prior to Monday’s decisive game in the best-of-five matchup.
The Freedom appeared poised to take the upper hand in the series Friday in O’Fallon, Missouri,. The team took a one-run lead into the ninth inning at CarShield Field, but were dealt a crushing defeat as the Rascals delivered back-to-back home runs to steal the victory in walk-off fashion.
Showing the resiliency that has guided the team all year, the Freedom bounced back to defeat the Rascals 3-2, on Saturday in O’Fallon and force a game five.
Despite the support of a raucous home crowd the Freedom could not, however, win the last game of the year.
The game recap was not available at press time, but the Freedom posted the following messages to the team’s faithful fans on social media late Monday.
“2019 was a special year for the Florence Freedom. We are insanely proud of all of our players and fans that created an absolutely electric atmosphere for game 5.
While it wasn’t the ending we were wishing for, still a lot to be proud about this season:
1. 57-39, tied for best regular season record in the league
2. 5 players signed by MLB organizations, most in team history
3. Swept first round of FL playoffs
A huge thank you to all our players and to you the fans. We look forward to continuing our winning ways in 2020.”
This story may be updated
