The Florence Y’alls headed to the top of the ninth needing three outs to end their losing streak.
But Florence (17-28 overall) could not close the door, falling 4-3 to the Lake Erie Crushers from Avon (Ohio) in front of 1,740 strong. The Y’alls have dropped eight in a row including six one-run games.
Designated hitter Kokko Figueiredo homered on a 3-1 count off Y’alls closer Joe Dougherty (0-3) to tie the game. One out later, Lake Erie center fielder Austin White tripled and right fielder Sean Cheely singled him in to make the final score.
“We trust Joe in these situations,” said Brian White, Florence Manager. “Most of the time, he gets the job done. They just had some clutch hits in this game.”
Florence right fielder Anthony Brocato doubled with one out in the bottom of the ninth giving the Y’alls a chance to tie the game. But Alexis Rivero retired the next two Florence batters to record his fifth save of the year for the Crushers (19-27).
Florence had a chance to add to its 3-2 lead in the bottom of the eighth. Third baseman and lead-off hitter Bryant Flete doubled to right center and moved to third when shortstop Alberti Chavez grounded out. But Lake Erie reliever Paul Kasonovich (1-0) struck out the next two Y’alls standing Flete.
Florence starter Jake McMahill pitched seven strong innings putting Florence in position to win. He struck out 11, walked none and allowed five hits and two earned runs. Bobby Braband retired the side in the top of the eighth striking out one for the Y’alls. Billy Damon caught for Florence.
“Billy did a good job back there,” McMahill said. “I haven’t been here long. But when I arrived, this team went on a run so they’re very capable of it.”
Both teams had eight hits. Figueiredo led the Crushers going 3 for 4 with two home runs, two runs batted in and scored three runs. In the top of the second, he singled to lead off the inning, stole second, took third on a balk then scored when White reached on the lone error of the game. He also hit a solo home run in the top of the fourth to tie the game at 2-2.
Brocato went 3 for 4 to lead Florence. He had a double and home run driving in all three Y’alls runs and scoring once. Chavez went 2 for 4.
Florence loaded the bases with two out in the bottom of the first off Lake Erie starter Julio Vivas. Brocato singled in designated hitter Craig Massey and first baseman Brennan Price to give the Y’alls a 1-0 lead. Brocato hit his solo home run in the bottom of the fourth to give Florence that 3-2 lead.
The second of the three-game series continues Wednesday at Thomas More Stadium. Game time is 6:31 p.m.
