Wynkoop, Tourists Edge Fireflies 3-2

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Fireflies) — Dash Winningham blasted his first long ball of the year on Friday night, but the Fireflies came up one run short, falling to Asheville, 3-2. The first baseman drilled the two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth frame over the right-field wall. A year ago the lefty smashed 12 home runs for the Kingsport Mets – that led the Appalachian League.

The Tourists scored runs off of starter Kevin Canelon (L, 2-2) in the first and second innings in nearly identical fashion. Mylz Jones and Chris Rabago doubled to lead off each frame and both moved over to third base. It was Brian Mundell and Sam Hilliard who both used the sacrifice fly to plate the runners respectively.

Asheville’s (16-16) lead grew to 3-0 in the top of the fourth. Mundell singled, swiped second base and scored when Yonathan Daza laced a base hit.

Winningham’s two-run dinger in the bottom of the frame brought Columbia (18-16) back within a run. The Fireflies had the tying run in scoring position in the seventh, eighth and ninth frames, but couldn’t knot the game up.

The former South Carolina Gamecock, Jack Wynkoop (W, 4-1), picked up the victory in his return to the Palmetto State’s capital. And even despite being dealt the loss, Canelon allowed just two earned runs in seven innings. Reliever Johnny Magliozzi pitched two scoreless frames as well.

Columbia and Asheville battle again on Saturday night at Spirit Communications Park at 7:05 p.m. Fireflies righty Tyler Badamo (1-2, 4.08) squares off with Tourists right-hander Peter Lambert (1-1, 2.51).

You can watch the action on MiLB.TV starting at 7:00 and listen in on WGCV 620 AM, 105.1 and 96.3 FM, ColumbiaFireflies.com and the TuneIn Radio app starting at 6:45 p.m.