Early Pitching Woes Bury Fireflies
Published on May 21, 2021 under Carolina League (CarL)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
Brady McConnell of the Columbia Fireflies
(Columbia Fireflies)
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Fireflies pitching staff gave up runs in each of the first three innings and ended up dropping Friday night's contest to Kannapolis 6-2 at Atrium Health Ballpark.
Cruz Noriega (L, 0-1) got the start for Columbia and gave up three bombs to Kannapolis in the first three innings. In total, he allowed four runs, all earned off five hits in four innings. DJ Gladney started things off for Kannapolis (2-14) with a two-run shot off a full-count pitch in the first inning. Victor Torres and Cabrera Weaver both added solo shots in the second and third, respectively, to keep the Fireflies (9-7) at bay.
The bats kept the game close, Kale Emshoff cracked him seventh double of the season to left-center to plate Brady McConnell in the top of the second and bring the Fireflies to within one. In the third, it was McConnell's turn to drive in a run, as he hit a two-bagger to plate Jake Means and make the score 3-2 in favor of the Cannon Ballers. After that, Kannapolis opted to throw Angel Acevedo (W, 1-0) in relief. The 22-year-old twirled 3.2 one-hit innings and punched out six Fireflies to pave the way for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
Maikel Garcia finished the game 0-5, ending his eight-game hitting streak. The stretch was the longest hitting streak for a Fireflies hitter this season. The infielder went 12-33 (.364) with four RBI during the streak, which began May 11.
The Fireflies are back at it against the Cannon Ballers Saturday at 7 pm at Atrium Health Ballpark. RHP Delvin Capellan (0-1, 4.00 ERA) takes the mound for Columbia and Kannapolis sends RHP Jared Kelley (0-2, 14.40 ERA) to the bump.
Columbia returns home Tuesday, May 25 to start a six-game set with the Augusta GreenJackets, who they split the opening series of the season with. The homestand is filled with promotions and starts off with a Miller Lite $2 Tuesday. Fans can purchase hot dogs, popcorn, fountain soda and 12 oz cans of Miller Lite for just $2 at Segra Park all evening long. To purchase tickets, visit FirefliesTickets.com.
Images from this story
 Brady McConnell of the Columbia Fireflies |
Carolina League Stories from May 21, 2021
- 'Birds Fall in Slugfest to Mudcats - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Infante Powers RiverDogs to 7-2 Victory over Down East - Charleston RiverDogs
- Well-Rounded Night for Ballers Nets First Win at Atrium Health Ballpark - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Seijas Shines as FredNats Win First Game in Team History - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Wood Ducks Pitching Surrenders Three Home Runs in Loss to Charleston - Down East Wood Ducks
- Early Pitching Woes Bury Fireflies - Columbia Fireflies
- Columbia Fireflies Roster Move and Game Notes at Kannapolis - Columbia Fireflies
- Fireflies Team up with Prisma Health on In-Game Vaccination Site - Columbia Fireflies
- Mudcats Announce Expanded Ticket Availability and New Promotions - Carolina Mudcats
- SC Philharmonic Dining Experience Returns to Segra Park - Columbia Fireflies
- FredNats Fall 14-1 in 15th Straight Loss - Fredericksburg Nationals
- RiverDogs Dramatic Comeback Spoiled by 6-4 Extra Innings Loss - Charleston RiverDogs
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.
