Big Third-Inning Leads Columbia to Win
August 28, 2016 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
KANNAPOLIS, NC - The Fireflies exploded for seven runs in the third inning on Saturday night and ripped through the Intimidators, 10-6. Every Columbia hitter either reached base safely or drove in a run.
Columbia (26-36, 62-70) went into that monstrous third inning down, 2-1. It began with a Tucker Tharp single. The next batter, J.C. Rodriguez, would stroke a base hit as well against Intimidators starter Max Beatty (L, 4-6). It was double trouble after that, both Patrick Mazeika and Eudor Garcia doubled in runs - Garcia's scored two. All of a sudden, Columbia was in front, 4-2.
But the bats weren't done. Garcia tagged and moved to third base when Dash Winningham flew out to deep center field. Luis Ortega reached via the walk, and then it was Joe Tuschak's turn. He bounced a fastball to Kannapolis (31-31, 55-77) second baseman Bradley Strong, who misplayed the grounder. It ricocheted into right field and Garcia scored on the error. Milton Ramos and Tharp - who led off the inning - finished the lengthy frame with run-scoring hits. In total, 12 Fireflies hitters came to the plate in the third.
The home team then started chipping away. Kannapolis scored one in the fourth and then plated three in the bottom of the sixth. Micker Adolfo knocked in a run that frame with a double. Adolfo finished with a single and a triple as well.
Columbia added two more in the top of the eighth to further its lead. Dale Burdick singled home Tharp and then a Winningham sacrifice fly gave the Fireflies a 10-6 edge.
Chase Ingram (W, 8-9) picked up his eighth win of the season, which ties him for the team lead. Johnny Magliozzi and Witt Haggard followed with 3.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
The rubber game of the three-game set is Sunday at 5:05 p.m. from Intimidators Stadium. Right-hander Gaby Almonte (3-5, 5.22) starts for Columbia and righty Luis Martinez (7-9, 3.90) throws for Kannapolis.
You can listen to the action on WGCV 620 AM and 96.3 FM, ColumbiaFireflies.com and the TuneIn Radio app starting at 4:45 p.m.
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