Fireflies Ninth-Inning Rally Comes up Just Short in Finale
April 24, 2019 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
CHARLESTON, WV - The Fireflies had the tying run at third and go-ahead run at second in the top of the ninth inning and nearly rallied for a win. Columbia eventually fell, though, 2-1, in the series finale to West Virginia.
The Fireflies were held to just one hit over the first eight innings. Mark Vientos then ripped an RBI double in the top of the ninth and had the visitors in position to take its first lead of the series. West Virginia (12-6) reliever Nolan Hoffman (S, 2) settled down and retired three of the next four hitters to retire the side and clinch the three-game sweep.
Not to be overlooked were the efforts of Columbia (7-12) starter Christian James (L, 0-3), who struck out seven over five innings on Wednesday. The righty scattered just three hits. James allowed two unearned runs to score in the fifth frame after an error was commit in the field behind him. Outside of that blemish, James posted his best start of the year.
Relievers Darwin Ramos and Jose Moreno combined for three scoreless fames out of the bullpen for Columbia.
SCORING SUMMARY:
Bottom 5: Anthony Dirocie commits and error in center field which allows Ryan Ramiz to score ... Joseph Rosa then doubles, plates Charlie McConnell. WV 2, COL 0
Top 9: Mark Vientos drills run-scoring double, plates Ronny Mauricio. WV 2, COL 1
The Fireflies head to Charleston, South Carolina, and begin a four-game series against the RiverDogs on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 ET at Joe Riley Park. Right-hander Simeon Woods-Richardson (0-1, 1.54) is scheduled to throw for Columbia and faces Charleston's righty Daniel Bies (0-1, 8.49).
You can tune into the action at FirefliesLiveStream.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from April 24, 2019
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- RiverDogs Drop Pitchers' Duel as Skid Hits Three - Charleston RiverDogs
- Homerun Heroics Lead 'Dads to Walk-Off Victory - Hickory Crawdads
- Drive Sweep Doubleheader at Hagerstown Wednesday - Greenville Drive
- Fireflies Ninth-Inning Rally Comes up Just Short in Finale - Columbia Fireflies
- Rome Wins Series Finale 1-0 with 8th Inning Rally vs. Lakewood - Rome Emperors
- Fireflies Roster Move and Game Notes: April 24 at West Virginia (Game 19) - Columbia Fireflies
- Charleston Wheelers Game Notes (April 24) - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Legends Drop Game Three in Front of Sell out Crowd - Lexington Legends
- Claws Fall Late, Lose at Rome 1-0 on Wednesday - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Drive Mourn the Passing of Ed Jenson - Greenville Drive
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