Fielding Mistakes Strike Down Fireflies
July 15, 2023 - Carolina League (CarL)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
Columbia Fireflies' Ryan Ramsey on the mound
(Columbia Fireflies)
COLUMBIA, SC - The Fireflies gave up three unearned runs in the seventh inning, spoiling a hitless start from Ryan Ramsey in a 4-1 loss to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Saturday night at Segra Park.
Chazz Martinez (L, 6-5) retired the first three hitters he faced. To stretch the Fireflies streak to 17 hitters retired in order, but after that, the defense imploded.
Martinez started the seventh issuing a walk to Bryce Willits. After back-to-back fielder's choices where everyone reached safely, the Cannon Ballers had the bases loaded with only one out. Following a pop out, the damage was done. Drake Logan laced a single to left-center to score a pair and give Kannapolis their first hit of the game. Colby Smelley closed out the scoring coming around on a wild pitch to give the Cannon Ballers a 3-0 lead heading to the stretch.
Columbia answered back with some two out hitting. Levi Usher extended the home half of the seventh with a two out single and then Jean Ramirez scrapped his third hit of the game, an RBI double to score Usher from first and cut Kannapolis' lead to 3-1.
The Cannon Ballers would score another run in the ninth. With two outs and Logan Glass on second, Cooper McKeehan allowed a single to Wilber Sanchez to make Kannapolis' lead 4-1.
Ryan Ramsey had a fantastic start for the Fireflies. The southpaw didn't allow a hit in five frames and he punched out a career-high seven Cannon Ballers. Ramsey retired the last 14 hitters he faced in order before turning things over to the bullpen in a scoreless game.
For the second straight night, Columbia was unable to scrap a hit a cross with runners in scoring position. The Fireflies were 0-7 Saturday and are 0-14 on the series with runners threatening.
The Fireflies close out their series with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers tomorrow night at Segra Park at 5:05 pm. RHP Mauricio Veliz (1-4, 6.02 ERA) takes the hill for Columbia and Kannapolis counters with RHP Mason Adams (3-3, 3.61 ERA).
Tomorrow is the conclusion of Dino Weekend and a kid's Sunday Funday. Prior to the game, we'll have a Fireflies autograph session and after the game kids under 12 can run the bases thanks to Bang Back Pinball Lounge. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.
Images from this story
 Columbia Fireflies' Ryan Ramsey on the mound |
Carolina League Stories from July 15, 2023
- Areinamo Homers in 6-5 Loss in Myrtle Beach - Carolina Mudcats
- Ramirez's Walk-off Single Gives Birds 6-5 Win Over Mudcats - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Fielding Mistakes Strike Down Fireflies - Columbia Fireflies
- Janas Goes off Yet Again as Augusta Blows Out Fayetteville - Augusta GreenJackets
- Long Balls Help RiverDogs Fly Past Wood Ducks 11-2 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Lynchburg Squeaks By Fredericksburg 12-10 - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Shorebirds and Red Sox Suspended on Saturday Night - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes 7.15 vs Kannapolis - Columbia Fireflies
- Sox Shutout Shorebirds to Start Series - Salem Red Sox
- RiverDogs Come Barking - Down East Wood Ducks
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.
