'Dads Fall in Extras to Columbia

Published on June 18, 2026 under Carolina League (CarL)
Hickory Crawdads News Release

Hickory Crawdads shortstop Daniel Flames slides home safely
(Hickory Crawdads)

The game was highlighted by two very solid pitching performances and some clutch hitting by Columbia's Stone Russell.

Columbia starter Ryan McDonagh, making his Single-A debut, pitched five innings, surrendering just two runs on one hit for the Fireflies. The Ontario, Canada native had four separate 1-2-3 frames, retiring his final 11 batters in the effort.

Hickory starter Jesus Lafalaise, not to be outdone, went six innings, allowing two runs while striking out five for Hickory. The Dominican right-hander walked a single Columbia batter on 79 pitches, 51 for strikes.

Neither pitcher, however, factored in the decision on the final night of the Carolina League's first half.

Russell doubled home Josh Hammond for the go-ahead run against Hickory reliever Jake Jekielek in the eighth inning.

With Columbia holding a 3-2 lead through eight innings, a storm rolled through the Unifour, putting the game into a 53-minute delay.

The Crawdads returned to action in the ninth, as Aneudis Mejia tossed a frame to give the 'Dads a chance to come back.

In the bottom half of the ninth, Deward Tovar singled to left-center, plating Luis Marquez, knotting the score at 3-3.

The hit for Tovar was part of a multi-hit game that saw the outfielder drive home two runs in the contest for Hickory (34-30).

Russell slugged a two-run double in the tenth to put the game out of reach for the Fireflies, who finished the first half with a 34-32 record.

Dash Albus (2-1) claimed the win for Columbia, as the Fireflies have taken two of the first three games in the six-game set.

Mejia suffered the loss for Hickory, dropping his record to 1-5 in 2026.

Tomorrow, the two clubs open the second half of the 2026 schedule with a 7pm first pitch at the Frans.

Hickory Crawdads shortstop Daniel Flames slides home safely

Carolina League Stories from June 18, 2026

• GreenJackets Score Ten in Rain-Shortened Win - Augusta GreenJackets
• 'Dads Fall in Extras to Columbia - Hickory Crawdads
• Pelicans' Offense Goes Wild Late to Sink Shorebirds - Delmarva Shorebirds
• Albus Sets Franchise Record in Extra Inning Win - Columbia Fireflies
• Rodriguez Rakes Wilson to Walk off Win - Wilson Warbirds
• FredNats Bats Falter in 10-5 Loss to Salem in 1st Half Finale - Fredericksburg Nationals
• Martinez Homers, RiverDogs Fall 6-5 in First-Half Finale - Charleston RiverDogs
• Columbia Fireflies Game Notes at Hickory 6.18 - Columbia Fireflies

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