sfoggi posted on July 17, 2011 19:36
WINTER PARK, Fla. (July 17, 2011) - The Orlando Freedom defeated the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs (17-8) by a score of 1-0 Sunday afternoon.
Despite the Dawgs playing on their home field at Alfond Stadium in Winter Park, it was a home contest for the Orlando Freedom.
Orlando starting pitcher Garrett Nuss (University of Central Florida) tossed seven shutout innings, while striking out seven.
“He’s a great pitcher, you’re not going to get a lot of hits off of him,” said Assistant Coach Scott Hilinski.
Opposing starting pitcher Jake Fisher (University of Oklahoma) got tagged with the loss despite throwing five innings, giving up the lone run in the ball game, and striking out six.
“We pitched well and played well, but the situational hitting and base running mistakes killed us,” said Hilinski.
The Freedom got the only run of the ball game in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two out and runners on second and third, Matt Mattone (Palm Beach St.) hit a single to centerfield, which scored Jason Anderson (Brevard Community College). Matt Frank (Jacksonville University) was thrown out at the plate by Ryne Knuth (Polk State College) trying to score from second base.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Orlando threatened once again. With two outs, Lawrence Pardo (Santa Fe College) hit a single to centerfield. Mattone then hit a double to right center. However, Brad Renner (Hillsborough Community College) was able to work himself out of the jam by striking out the next batter.
The Diamond Dawgs first real scoring opportunity came in the top of the eighth inning. After a one out bunt single by Michael Danner (Polk State College), Spencer Haynes (University of Central Florida) moved Danner to third base on a single to right field. Haynes then stole second base, and as the throw went down to the bag, Danner was indecisively caught off third base as he tried to score and was eventually tagged out.
Winter Park managed to make things close once again in the ninth inning. With one out, they had runners on first and second, but could not bring home the tying run.
“You’re not going to get many opportunities in a ball game like that against a team and pitcher like that,” said Hilinski.
This was Orlando’s first victory against Winter Park this season, dropping the Dawgs into second place behind the Leesburg Lightning.
The Diamond Dawgs will be at home Tuesday, July 19 against the Sanford River Rats. It is Kid’s Day at Alfond Stadium with the game starting at 11 a.m.
Mitchell Adams (UCF)