Fireflies Begin Home Series with Kannapolis Friday
By: Fireflies PR
Columbia Fireflies (12-9) vs. Kannapolis Intimidators (8-13)
LHP Kevin Canelon (0-1, 4.20) vs. LHP Ryan Riga (0-2, 9.98)
Friday, April 29, 2016 — Spirit Communications Park — First Pitch 7:05 p.m. — Game 22
LISTEN: WGCV 620 AM, 105.1 & 96.3 FM / ColumbiaFireflies.com / TuneIn Radio App
ABOUT LAST GAME: Columbia fell to Lexington in the three-game series finale, 6-5, on Thursday night. The Legends scored three runs in the top of the eighth to take a lead for good. The eighth and ninth innings on Thursday were the only frames the Fireflies trailed their opponents in the series. Vinny Siena, J.C. Rodriguez and Tyler Moore recorded multi-hit nights.
TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE: Thursday night was Siena’s eighth multi-hit game of the season, the most on the club.
HOT HITTERS: David Thompson and J.C. Rodriguez have both been effective at the plate recently. Over their last four games, Thompson is 6-for-16 (.375) with two doubles, a home run and seven RBIs, while Rodriguez is 5-for-13 (.385) with a double and a home run of his own.
DRIVE FOR 25: Thompson’s 25 RBIs (in just 76 at-bats) rank first in all of professional baseball. Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper sit behind the former Mets fourth-round pick with 24 each.
POLISHED PALSHA: Fireflies reliever Alex Palsha has turned into arguably the most reliable arm out of Manager Jose Leger’s bullpen. Over his last six appearances, the right-hander from Danville, California, owns a 1.80 ERA and has struck out 18 batters in 10 innings of work. Palsha’s SO:9 IP ratio (16) is the best in the SAL among relievers.
THE OTHER GUYS: The Intimidators have four White Sox prospects on their roster, according to MLB.com:
- OF Micker Adolfo 16. INF Johan Cruz – DL
- INF Corey Zangari 29. RHP Luis Martinez
