Freedom pulled into the lead for the Lehigh Valley Conference East Division Monday afternoon following a 9-1 victory over Dieurff.

John Yocum picked up the win for the Patriots (9-5, 7-3) on the mound, striking out six batters, and knocking in two RBI to help the Pates win three out of their last four games.

The win on the day helped push them to the top of standings, a game ahead of Liberty (10-5, 6-4), who belted Nazareth 12-5 on Monday as well.

Both teams separated themselves from a crowded heap at the top of the division, as Easton (9-6, 6-5) and Bethlehem Catholic (7-7, 4-5) both lost on Monday to weaken their chances at the top spot in the east.

For Freedom head coach Nick D'Amico, consistency has proved to pay off this year for the Pates.

"We've been more consistent with our pitching and just not making mistakes," D'Amico said. "We haven't had that long losing streak either, like we've had the last couple years. We're putting ourselves in good position heading down the stretch."

Part of the confidence the Pates have with them is coupled by the fact that they knocked off Parkland 3-2 last week, to start a three-game losing streak for the Trojans which continued with a 6-2 loss to Becahi as well.

It was the first two league losses for Parkland (11-4, 7-2) this season and D'Amico knows what a win over Parkland can do for any team.

"It gave us confidence and showed that we can play with anyone," he said. "Anytime you can beat them, it's going to help your team morale."

And picking up more wins down the stretch will help Freedom too. The Pates likely had their Tuesday affair with Emmaus rained out and could see back-to-back action on Thursday and Friday if that game against the Hornets was rescheduled.

They take on Easton at Coca-Cola Park Friday afternoon in a huge matchup before they head into next week's regular season finales against Becahi and Liberty.

"You got to be motivated every single game with the way our division has been this year," said D'Amico. "All of our opponents down the stretch are going to play tough, so we just have to keep playing consistent if we want to take the division."