Strom's Moon Shot Lifts Fireflies on NASA Night
August 19, 2017 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
COLUMBIA, SC - Ian Strom capped off Saturday night with a mammoth home run in game two of the doubleheader against Rome. This propelled the Fireflies to a 1-0 victory over the Braves at Spirit Communications Park. Rome defeated Columbia in the first game, 8-2.
Justin Brantley (W, 2-1) captivated the audience in the second game on the mound. The 26-year-old lasted six innings for Columbia (23-32, 63-60) and recorded a career-high seven strikeouts. Matt Blackham picked up his fifth save of the season. The righty tossed one inning and posted two strikeouts.
Strom broke the scoreless affair during the fifth frame. His solo home run was the second of his professional career. The Massachusetts native also contributed with two hits in the first game despite the loss.
The Fireflies grabbed an early two-run advantage in the first inning of game one. Andres Gimenez reached base with a walk to start the contest. The next batter, Gene Cone, singled and the squad had runners at first and second base. After J.J. Franco walked, Dash Winningham drove in his team-leading 64th run with an RBI groundout. Strom knocked in Cone with a single and the home team led 2-0 over the Braves.
Rome's (29-25, 67-57) offense ignited after the first stanza. The Braves tallied eight unanswered runs the rest of the way. Fireflies starter Gabriel Llanes (L, 5-10) absorbed six of those, but only four were earned. The righty finished with four innings on the mound.
The Fireflies continue their series with the Rome Braves on Sunday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. at Spirit Communications Park. Darwin Ramos (1-2, 4.50) makes the start for Columbia and righty Alan Rangel (2-4, 4.30) takes the ball for Rome.
You can listen to the action on ESPN Columbia 94.9 FM and 1230 AM, ColumbiaFireflies.com and the TuneIn Radio app starting at 4:45 p.m. The game also airs live on MiLB.tv.
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