Bats Boost Fireflies to 9-0 Win
August 30, 2022 - Carolina League (CarL)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
Columbia Fireflies pitcher Jonatan Bernal
(Columbia Fireflies)
COLUMBIA, SC - Early offense and a stellar start from Jonatan Bernal led the Fireflies to a 9-0 win over the Carolina Mudcats Tuesday evening at Five County Stadium.
Columbia's offense started going early. Javier Vaz opened up the game with a double and came around on a wild pitch to break the scoreless tie. Next, Cayden Wallace singled to left to score Gavin Cross to double the Fireflies lead. To close out the frame, Carter Jensen and Wallace worked a double steal to increase Columbia's lead to 3-0.
In the top of the fourth inning, with Gary Camarillo, Javier Vaz and Omar Hernandez on the basepaths, Cross launched a 430-foot grand slam 103 MPH off his bat. The Virginia Tech product's fifth homer of the season was Columbia's first grand slam since Kale Emshoff and Tyler Tolbert both had grand slams in a game against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers August 11, 2021. The knock put Columbia in front 8-0.
Rodriguez scored the remaining two runs for the Fireflies offense. First in the second off the bat of Vaz and then in the fifth off the bat of Hernandez.
The Fireflies pitching staff was also been rolling on all cylinders. After going 366 days between shutouts prior to Sunday's game against Salem, the Fireflies spun back-to-back shutouts Sunday and today. It all started with seven strong innings from Jonatan Bernal, who faced one batter over the minimum, tossing 69 bullets, 50 in the zone. Bernal allowed three hits, walked no hitters and fanned three.
Columbia continues their series with the Carolina Mudcats tomorrow night at Five County Stadium at 7 pm. Southpaw Frank Mozzicato (1-6, 4.41 ERA) takes the mound for Columbia and Carolina counters with RHP Edwin Jimenez (4-6, 4.56 ERA).
The Fireflies return to Segra Park for their final homestand of the season September 6-11 to face the Charleston RiverDogs as they fight for their first playoff berth in franchise history. Join the Fireflies for the final fireworks show of the year, a t-shirt giveaway and Wands and Wizards night to close out the regular season! Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.
Images from this story
 Columbia Fireflies pitcher Jonatan Bernal |
Carolina League Stories from August 30, 2022
- Carolina Held to Three Hits in 9-0 Loss to Fireflies - Carolina Mudcats
- FredNats Double Up Shorebirds in Series Opener - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Augusta Tops Red Sox with Offensive Outburst - Augusta GreenJackets
- 'Birds Doubled Up By FredNats In Series Opener - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Bats Boost Fireflies to 9-0 Win - Columbia Fireflies
- Hillcats Take Opener with Cannon Ballers - Lynchburg Hillcats
- RiverDogs and Pelicans Postponed Due to Unplayable Field Conditions; Doubleheader Set for Wednesday - Charleston RiverDogs
- Columbia Fireflies Roster Moves and Game Notes August 30 - Columbia Fireflies
- In Partnership with Augusta Technical College, SRP Park to Host September 2nd - Augusta GreenJackets
- Cannon Baller Chronicle: Ballers Trade Wins with Mudcats in Series Split at Home - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Night Announced - Augusta GreenJackets
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
