Columbia Takes Series Opener 13-2

Published on April 26, 2016 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release

A two-run homer by J.C. Rodriguez in the second inning put Columbia in front, and back-to-back homers by Ivan Wilson and Tucker Tharp in the third added to the lead as the Fireflies cruised to a 13-2 win over the Lexington Legends Tuesday night in Columbia.

Following the consecutive homers in the third, Vinny Siena was hit by a pitch, and David Thompson reached base on an error by Lexington shortstop Marten Gasparini. Dash Winningham walked to load the bases, and two runs came home when a ball hit by Jeff Diehl got past third baseman Michael Hill for an error, giving Columbia a 6-0 lead.

Chase Vallot's solo homer in the top of the fourth put the Legends on the board, but the Fireflies came back with five runs in the bottom of the fourth on four hits, two walks and two more Lexington errors.

The Legends scored a run in the sixth inning when D.J. Burt walked, moved to third on a single by Samir Duenez and scored on a passed ball.

Thompson's two-run double in the bottom of the seventh closed out the scoring. Thompson leads the South Atlantic League in runs batted in with 21.

Columbia starter Chase Ingram (2-1) worked six innings to get the win. He allowed four hits and two runs, one earned. He walked two batters and struck out eight.

Legends starter Nolan Watson (0-2) was the losing pitcher.

The series continues Wednesday night. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

South Atlantic League Stories from April 26, 2016

• Columbia Takes Series Opener 13-2 - Lexington Legends
• Epic Tourists Comeback Turns into 8-7 Loss - Asheville Tourists
• GreenJackets' Offense Comes up Short to Kannapolis - Augusta GreenJackets
• Zangari's Bomb Helps Blow Away GreenJackets - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• Drive Outdueled by Shorebirds, 3-1 - Greenville Drive
• 'Dads Run Past 'Hoppers in 7-5 Win - Hickory Crawdads
• Pinales Head to Aberdeen, Laurino Joins Delmarva - Delmarva Shorebirds
• Power Suspended in the Third - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Fireflies Game Notes: April 26 vs. Lexington (Game 19) - Columbia Fireflies
• Intimidators Promote Three to Winston-Salem - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• Summerville Native Reeves and Former Clemson Standout Koerner Get Call up to Tampa - Charleston RiverDogs
• WV Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds
• U.S. Military All-Stars Coming to Kannapolis - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• Banks Earns SAL Pitcher of the Week - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• 'Beer City' Tourists Jerseys and Caps to be Worn June 2 - Asheville Tourists
• Fireflies Homestand Highlights: April 26-May 2 - Columbia Fireflies

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