The River City Rascals (13-10) scored three runs in the first, two more in the third, and never looked back Wednesday night as they knocked off the Florence Freedom (9-14) by a final score of 8-1.
Danny Canela launched a three-run homer in the bottom of the first inning to put the Rascals up 3-0. They added two more in the third on a Josh Ludy RBI double and a Taylor Ard sacrifice fly.
Starter Coleman Stephens (2-3) went 7 1/3 innings for the Freedom, giving up seven runs, five earned, on 11 hits. He did not walk anyone and struck out four.
Meanwhile Tim Koons (3-0) was outstanding for River City, going 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits, walking two and striking out five.
The Freedom’s lone run came in the fourth on a Steve Carrillo solo home run.
River City added another run in the seventh on a Stephens throwing error and two more in the eighth on a Saxon Butler RBI single and a Josh Silver RBI single.
Florence managed only three hits in the game while River City tallied 13.
The Freedom will look to win the series Thursday as Casey Henn (1-4, 3.95 ERA) takes the mound. First pitch is set for 7:35 p.m.
Staff report/Photo by Toni Hanson
