It took that first victory to end the losing skid and regain some momentum.
But once the Florence Y’alls (19-31 overall) did that, they rolled to another series win over the host Evansville Otters (32-19) taking two of three in the Frontier League West Division match-up. The Y’alls have won four of six against the division’s second-place Otters this year.
“It felt like the weight was lifted off everyone’s shoulders,” said Brian White, Florence manager. “We were able to breathe, relax and just play the game of baseball again. I felt like we played well in that Washington (Pennsylvania) series when the losing streak started. We just hit a lot of balls right at guys. That carried over to Schaumburg. Obviously, doubt creeps into your mind. But once we got that first win, we went and played like the team we were expected to be.”
The series started with a 4-2 loss Friday that saw Evansville outhit Florence, 7-4. Rain ended the game after eight innings.
Jeremy Ovalle (0-1) took the loss for the Y’alls pitching five innings striking out six and walking two. The Otters led 3-0 in the top of the eighth when center fielder Ray Zuberer and shortstop Alberti Chavez doubled in the two Florence runs.
But on Saturday, Florence ended the losing streak at 11 with its first shutout of the season by a 7-0 score. Jonaiker Villalobos (4-5) threw seven shutout innings to earn the win striking out six and walking two. Bobby Brabrand and Joe Dougherty pitched the last two innings for Florence striking out a combined four and walking none.
Florence outhit Evansville, 6-4. Chavez led the Y’alls going 2 for 5 with a double and left fielder Axel Johnson belted a two-run home run in the top of the sixth to put the Y’alls up 4-0. Florence added three in the top of the eighth.
The Y’alls took the series Sunday with an 8-3 victory. Edgar Martinez started for Florence pitching four innings before Kent Klyman (2-1) came on in relief to earn the win. Martinez struck out five and Klyman two. Florence struck out 12 Otters total and allowed just four hits.
Florence batted .278 (10 for 36) overall. Third baseman Bryant Flete went 2 for 3 with a three-run double in the top of the fourth to put the Y’alls up 6-2.
“I was just excited to hit the ball,” Flete said. “I go over things with my coaches before the game in the batting cage. I just put the ball in play. I’m glad we got the win.”
The Y’alls fell behind 1-0 in the bottom of the first. But Johnson belted a three-run home run in the top of the second to put Florence up for good at 3-1.
Designated Hitter Craig Massey also added two hits and scored twice. Johnson scored three runs. Second baseman Ethan Stern doubled and scored twice.
“It’s about being able to lock in every pitch, every day,” White said. “It is a mental grind to be able to do those things. We challenge the guys to overcome adversity. It’s the hardest part of the game.”
Florence concludes the road trip with three games against the Windy City (Illinois) ThunderBolts (20-29). The first game is Tuesday at 11:35 a.m.
Reds Sign McMahill:
The Reds bought the contract of Florence pitcher Jake McMahill. He will report to the Reds’ Arizona Complex League club in Goodyear.
McMahill had only been with Florence for a few weeks signing in June after helping Missouri State to the NCAA Tournament. He started four games for the Y’alls pitching into at least the sixth inning in three of those starts and allowing two earned runs or fewer in three of those games.
He is the second pitcher to land a Minor League Baseball chance this year. Lefty Justin King singed with the Milwaukee Brewers. He is currently pitching for Milwaukee’s High-A affiliate in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
