Florence Y’alls Manager Chad Rhoades knows it’s imperative for teams to bring their own intensity in road games.
Rhoades said the Y’alls (25-32) did that from the beginning of their series with the New Jersey Jackals (35-20), taking two-of-three at Hinchliffe Stadium. The Jackals lead the Frontier League East Division and are tied with the Gateway Grizzlies for the best record in the league.
“The environment here is different,” Rhoades said. “With the dimensions, it plays crazy. But our guys came in wanting to win and it was good to see.”
Florence started the first two games of the series at 10:35 a.m., as opposed to the usual evening times. The Y’alls came away with a 9-7 win in the series opener on Tuesday, jumping out to a 7-0 lead after two innings and withstanding a late Jackals rally.
Despite being outhit 10-9, the Y’alls scored two unearned runs off three New Jersey errors while committing none and that wound up being the difference in the game.
Right fielder Ray Zuberer went 2-for-4, blasting a grand slam in the top of the first as he batted in five runs and scored a run. Designated Hitter Brennan Price went 2-for-4 with a double with second baseman Tristin Garcia and first baseman Craig Massey collecting two hits each.
Rookie righthander Ryan Watson pitched the first four innings, striking out two and walking one with Cater Poiry (4-3) pitching three innings, striking out three and walking two. Ben Terwilliger pitched the eighth, striking out the side before Brian McKenna struck out one in a scoreless ninth to secure his fourth save of the year.
“You got some fresh blood in there with Watson’s first start,” Rhoades said. “Neither team knew what he’d bring to the table. But we got some good reports on him and he flashed that. He was everything you want on the mound. He was poised. He was coming right after them and that put them on their heels.”
Florence lost on Wednesday, 6-1, falling behind 5-0 after three despite outhitting New Jersey, 10-5. The Jackals took advantage of nine walks in the contest.
Garcia went 2-for-4 and scored the Y’alls lone run, hitting a solo home run in the top of the sixth. Catcher Zade Richardson also went 2-for-3 with a double and triple and third baseman Jeremiah Burks went 2-for-3 with a double.
Bobby Brabrand (2-6) pitched five innings in the loss, striking out four and walking eight. Rodney Hutchison, Junior and Michael Kirian pitched in relief.
Florence then won the series finale on Thursday, 6-3, scoring five runs in the top of the fourth. Harrison DiNicola belted a three-run home run and Zuberer followed with a solo blast to put the Y’alls up 4-0. Zuberer hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth after New Jersey cut the lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the seventh.
“I didn’t hit it as deep as I’d have liked, but Lane was on third – a speedy guy,” Zuberer said. “(New Jersey reliever Lance Lusk) gave me a real good pitch to handle and I’m just happy I got the job done. Everyone is grinding out at-bats, coming to the ballpark every day getting work in. We’re keeping a positive attitude as well. That’s all you can do.”
Florence outhit New Jersey, 7-5. Price went 2-for-4 to lead the way with center fielder Cole Brannen adding a double.
Edgar Martinez (6-5) pitched five innings to earn the win, striking out three and walking five. Kent Klyman, Terwilliger and McKenna closed things out from there.
“Zade (Richardson) and I were really on the same page,” Terwilliger said. “It really helps to have such a knowledgeable and experienced catcher back there giving me a target. We were on the same page with where we wanted to go with the pitches in and out, up and down, off-speed, fastball. The defense behind me was making plays. I wouldn’t be who I am without my defense and catcher.”
Florence plays its final road series against an East Division opponent starting Friday at 6:30 p.m. against the Ottawa Titans (28-29).
