Florence rides strong pitching to a series-opening win at Skylands Stadium.
AUGUSTA, N.J. — The Florence Y’alls leaned on dominant pitching to hold the Sussex County Miners to four hits in a 1-0-win Tuesday night at Skylands Stadium. Florence scored the game’s only run in the fifth inning and made it stand up behind a combined four-hit shutout. The Y’alls finished with six hits, while Sussex County stranded 10 runners. After four scoreless innings, Florence broke through in the fifth. First baseman Hank Zeisler walked and scored on a double by designated hitter Zade Richardson, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Richardson led Florence at the plate, going 2-for-4 with the game’s only RBI. Shortstop Dillon Baker also collected two hits. Center fielder Jackson Tucker and Zeisler each added a hit.
Sussex County threatened but could not capitalize. Third baseman Dean Ferrara led the Miners, finishing 2-for-3 with a walk. Shortstop Evan Berkey and left fielder Gabriel Maciel each had a hit. Florence starter Jonaiker Villalobos earned the win with six scoreless innings. The right-hander allowed three hits, walked three and struck out seven. Logan Jones tossed two scoreless innings of relief before Danny Heintz pitched a rocky ninth, allowing two baserunners but ultimately earning a save. Miners starter Tristan Harley took the loss despite a quality start. Harley allowed one run on six hits in six innings, striking out three. Billy Parsons tossed two scoreless innings of relief and Jorden Sesar pitched a perfect ninth. Florence outhit Sussex County 6-4 and played error-free baseball. The Miners also did not commit an error but were held scoreless as Florence pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. With the win, Florence took the series opener and the first game of the season against Sussex County this year.
Box Score: Available on the Frontier League’s official iScore platform. The Miners continue their homestand this week at Skylands Stadium. Fans can watch on the Frontier League Network via HTN or listen on Mixlr. For streaming info, visit scminers.com.
Written by Julien Serra