WATCH: Fireflies Lose Series-Opener to Shorebirds, 7-3
COLUMBIA, SC (Fireflies) – Columbia welcomed Delmarva to Spirit Communications Park for the first time this season on Tuesday, but the Fireflies fell to the Shorebirds, 7-3. Dale Burdick was the offensive jolt. The Spring Hill, Tennessee, native blasted his first home run of the season over the left-field wall.
The visitors jumped out to a 3-0 lead early. Natanael Delgado, Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle each picked up an RBI against Columbia (5-14, 41-48) starter Bryce Beeler (L, 1-1) over the first two innings.
Delmarva (8-11, 50-38) southpaw Brian Gonzalez (W, 6-5) pitched six scoreless innings and struck out eight Fireflies. The lefty kept the Shorebirds in control while he was out on the mound.
In the bottom of the seventh, Vicente Lupo scored Columbia’s first run after Joe Tuschak grounded into a double play.
The brief rally resumed in the eighth. With the Fireflies down four runs, Burdick cut the deficit in half with his two-run blast. The homer was not only his first of the season, but also just the fifth of his career.
Columbia bullpen arms Witt Haggard and Nicco Blank each had solid outings, combining for 3.2 scoreless innings.
The Fireflies and Shorebirds battle again on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. Manager Jose Leger hands the ball to right-hander Gaby Almonte (1-2, 4.03). He takes on Delmarva righty Mike Costello (0-1, 6.75).
You can watch the action on MiLB.TV or listen in on WGCV 620 AM, 105.1 and 96.3 FM, ColumbiaFireflies.com and the TuneIn Radio app starting at 7:00 p.m.
