Paints roughed up again in Florence

It was the shortest regular-season outing of Hartfelder's professional career, and came a day after Perry Cunningham's start went just 12¼3 innings in the season opener. And for the second straight day, Florence won this one on the strength of its ability to create the big inning.

After the Paints rattled off a pair of runs in the top of the first on a Paul Rutgers' RBI single and a run-producing passed ball, Florence countered with four in the bottom of the second on RBI singles by Joe Holland, Collin Martin, Ryan Steinbach and Reggie Watson.

After Jon Potterson's RBI groundout in the third brought the Paints back within a run, Florence got two more off Hartfelder in the third off the first of Josh Lex's two home runs and another RBI single by Steinbach.

The second run of that inning chased Hartfelder from the game in favor or Eric Teall, who pitched well in his 21¼3 innings of relief. The only runner Teall allowed came on a fifth-inning walk. He struck out four of the eight batters he faced. After Teall, the Paints turned to Zach Johnson, Tyler Meigs and Brian Marshall out of the bullpen, who each allowed two runs.

The rest of the Paints' offense came in the sixth, when Paul Rutgers was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Travis Garcia got his first RBI of the year with a sacrifice fly.

With the first series of the season in the bag, the Paints will look for their first win tonight in their home opener at 7:05 at VA Memorial Stadium. Bryan Johnson (1-1, 0.00) is scheduled to make his first pro start for the Paints.