SAL1 Columbia Fireflies

Columbia Rolls over West Virginia

Published on June 9, 2016 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Columbia Fireflies News Release


COLUMBIA, SC - The Fireflies' bats went delirious on Thursday night, tallying 14 hits and powering past West Virginia, 11-2. 6,062 fans made their way out 2 Spirit Communications Park - the third-largest crowd of the season - 4 "Purple Game, Purple Game," a tribute 2 the Grammy-award winning artist, Prince. Thanks 2 Thursday's Purple Rain jersey auction, also raised an incredible $7,041 for the Palmetto Place Children's Shelter.

Every Columbia (30-30) hitter reached base safely on Thursday, and eight of the nine starters scored a run.

The home team raced out 2 a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The first four batters of the game notched hits against starter Gage Hinsz (L, 0-1). Kevin Kazcmarski's single and J.C. Rodriguez's double both plated runs. Luis Ortega's sacrifice fly scored the last run of the frame.

The three scores were just a sign o' the times 2 come. After Rodriguez laced a base hit 2 the outfield 2 begin the sixth, David Thompson doubled him home. Ortega then used another sacrifice fly 2 get another run in. The Fireflies led by four after six innings.

In the seventh, Rodriguez clubbed a home run over the right field wall 2 put the home team in front, 6-1. The switch-hitter's long ball was something U had 2 see 2 believe - it was his fourth of the season. The infielder finished a triple shy of the cycle.

Columbia wasn't done in the eighth. The Fireflies batted around and Dash Winningham and Joe Tuschak both smacked run-scoring doubles, which highlighted the five-run inning.

Columbia's first four hitters in the lineup - Vinny Siena, Kaczmarski, Rodriguez and Thompson - finished a combined 10-for-18 at the plate with seven runs scored and six RBIs.

Chase Ingram (W, 4-5) had the look on the mound on Thursday. The starter went six innings, allowed just one run and silenced the West Virginia (30-29) bats.

Columbia and West Virginia battle again on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Manager Jose Leger hands the ball 2 southpaw P.J. Conlon (7-1, 1.21). He takes on Power righty Mitch Keller (4-3, 1.89) in what should B a marvelous pitching matchup.

U 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.

Check out the Columbia Fireflies Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 9, 2016


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