Julio Rivera was cold coming off the bench, but Rivera warmed up quickly as Rivera stroked a key pinch-hit RBI home run in the eight to lead the Orlando Monarchs (14-16) to a 9-6 win over the Sanford River Rats (15-18) on Friday at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadi.

With the Orlando Monarchs trailing by two in the eighth inning, Rivera came to the plate and homered, plating Mark Vidal.

The Orlando Monarchs found themselves down in the eighth inning but managed to fight back and claim the win.

Rivera got on base one time in the game for the Orlando Monarchs.

Darryl Knight led the Orlando Monarchs' offensive threat, as he got on base five times in the game. He scored one run and had two RBIs. He doubled in the third inning.

Keith Curcio had two extra-base hits for the Sanford River Rats. He doubled in the fifth and seventh innings and singled in the ninth inning.

Shawn Ferris got the win, running his season record to 1-2. He allowed three runs over 2 2/3 innings. He struck out six, walked two and surrendered three hits.

Alexander Graham (3-2) took the loss for the Sanford River Rats. He lasted just zero innings, walked two, struck out none, and allowed four runs.