A closely contested game saw the Florence Freedom, presented by Titan Mechanical Solutions, drum up just enough support for starter Marty Anderson, who turned in the best start of his professional career in a 2-1 victory over the Normal CornBelters on Tuesday night at the Corn Crib.

Anderson (5-1) tossed a career-high seven and one-third innings, holding Normal (17-17) to one run on six hits, walking one and striking out four. The left-hander bent, but never broke, against a resilient CornBelters lineup, as he left the go-ahead run stranded three times throughout the evening.

Julio Vivas (3-2) took the loss for Normal, despite nearly matching Anderson. Vivas also pitched seven and one-third innings, but gave up the decisive run in the seventh inning, as he uncorked a wild pitch with the bases loaded that allowed Garrett Vail to score from third for the Freedom (23-11).

Florence had taken a first-inning lead in the game, as Daniel Fraga led off with a double and scored on a double by Taylor Oldham. Collins Cuthrell would single to left field three batters later, but Oldham was thrown out trying to score from second by left fielder Jesus Solarzano. The CornBelters tied the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the second, as Justin Fletcher led off with a double, advanced to third on a flyout by Diego Cedeno and scored on a Miguel Torres sacrifice fly to center field.

When Anderson departed with one out in the eighth and a 2-1 lead intact, Yeixon Ruiz stood on first base after a single as Matt Pobereyko entered to pitch. Representing the tying run, Ruiz stole second and took third on a Pobereyko wild pitch. But Santiago Chirino flew out to right field, and Ruiz, attempting to tag up and score, was tagged out at the plate on a strong throw from Cuthrell in right field to end the inning. Pobereyko would work around a pair of one-out walks in the ninth and struck out the final two batters of the game to seal the victory for the Freedom.

The series continues Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at the Corn Crib. Right-hander Cody Gray (5-1) will start for the Freedom against CornBelters right-hander Charlie Gillies (2-2).

The Florence Freedom are members of the independent Frontier League and play all home games at UC Health Stadium located at 7950 Freedom Way in Florence, KY.The Freedom can be found online at FlorenceFreedom.com, or by phone at 859-594-4487.

Florence Freedom

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Freedom continue strong play with win over Cornbelters on the road in series opener - User-generated content (press release) (registration)