The Florence Freedom won their third straight game behind a strong pitching performance from Andy Clark. Clark pitched seven innings, giving up three runs on three hits. Clark also struck out a career high 10 batters as the Freedom took the first game of a three game series against Windy City.

Clark struggled to start the game, as he gave up two homers in the first two innings. The Thunderbolts jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after the second inning. It would be all the runs they would score in the ballgame, as Clark combined with relievers Ibanez and Castle to shut out the Thunderbolts after the second inning.

Florence evened the score in the bottom of the 4th inning. The Freedom scored three runs on only two hits as the Thunderbolt pitching staff struggled with their control. After two consecutive hits from Angel Molina and Ryan Basham, John Welch hit a sac fly to score Molina and cut the Thunderbolts lead to two. The next four Florence batters either walked or were hit by a pitch, which scored two more runs and the Freedom evened things up at three.

Florence took the lead in the home half of the 5th inning. John Welch picked up his second RBI with a two-out single which scored Angel Molina. Welch led the Freedom offense with two hits and three RBI. The Freedom added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh inning and the bullpen shut down the Thunderbolts as the Freedom won 5-3.

Florence continues their series against Windy City tomorrow at 6:05. Florence has won three straight and the Freedom are now one game above .500 with a record of 25 wins and 24 losses.