Published: June 22, 2009 07:00 am      

Beach Bums fall to Florence

TC opens 6-game homestand with loss

TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City started off a six-game homestand on the wrong foot, dropping a 9-5 decision to Florence in front of a Father's Day crowd.

Beach Bums starter David Nathanson was roughed up for five earned runs on 10 hits in five innings. Jared Locke took the loss, giving up three runs in the two frames.

The Beach Bums chased Freedom starter Everett Saul in the fifth, scoring four times with two outs to tie it up at 4-4. James Guerrero scored on a wild pitch, and Mike Victor continued his hot streak with a single through the right side to score two. Kyle Maunus tied the game with an RBI single.

Signed before the game, Central Michigan University right-hander Chris Kupillas made his pro debut, retiring the first five batters he faced before allowing the homer to Justin Pickett in the ninth. Kupillas struck out the other three batters he faced in the ninth.

Bobby Basham and John Welch also hit homers for Florence (16-12).

Brian Lapin extended his hitting streak to nine games with a fifth inning single.