Fireflies Rally Falls One Run Short in Ninth
COLUMBIA, SC (Fireflies) — The Fireflies scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth on Saturday night, but still fell to the Tourists, 3-2. Columbia and Asheville have played three games in the series decided by five total runs.
The home team was blanked through the first eight by Asheville (17-16) starter Peter Lambert (W, 2-1) and reliever Drasen Johnson. But in the ninth, Jeff Diehl doubled off of Johnson to begin the frame and scampered to third after a wild pitch. Juan Pena replaced Johnson on the mound and the first batter he faced – Ivan Wilson – drilled an RBI double into the left-center field gap. Jose Garcia then singled home Wilson and Vicente Lupo followed with a base hit that pushed the tying run into scoring position. Pena squashed the rally and retired the next two batters to end the ballgame.
Tyler Badamo (L, 1-3) scattered just three runs over seven innings but was dealt the loss. Columbia (18-17) relievers Seth Davis and Tyler Bashlor hurled scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
The visitors jumped out to a 3-0 lead for the second straight night. Josh Fuentes and Brian Mundell drove in runs in the second and third innings respectively, and Max George’s suicide squeeze bunt in the sixth plated Fuentes.
The Fireflies had runners on base in all but one inning. J.C. Rodriguez continued his brilliant play, the infielder tallied three hits on Saturday. His on-base streak was stretched to 16 consecutive games.
The series finale between Columbia and Asheville is on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. Right-hander Joe Shaw (2-2, 3.71) toes the rubber for Manager Jose Leger and faces Tourists righty Trey Killian (3-2, 5.58).
You can watch the action on MiLB.TV starting at 2:00 p.m. and listen in on WGCV 620 AM, 105.1 and 96.3 FM, ColumbiaFireflies.com and the TuneIn Radio app starting at 1:45 p.m.
