Fireflies Win It 6-5 in 11 Innings
April 22, 2023 - Carolina League (CarL)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
Columbia Fireflies' Levi Usher in action
(Columbia Fireflies, Credit: Michael Leuck)
COLUMBIA, SC - Levi Usher hit a sacrifice fly to score Erick Peña in the 11th to earn the Columbia Fireflies' second walk-off winner of the series as Columbia beat Fayetteville 6-5 Saturday night at Segra Park.
Usher finished the night 1-4 with a double, a stolen base and an RBI in the win.
The bullpen was incredible for the Fireflies (7-5) again tonight. Cooper McKeehan (W, 2-0) worked a 1-2-3 11th to give Columbia an opportunity to walk-off in the home half of the inning. He took the ball from Mauricio Veliz, who allowed one run across five innings to keep Fayetteville at bay.
Columbia took the lead for the first time since the third inning in the fifth. Levi Usher drew a lead-off walk, stole a bag and then scored on a Daniel Vazquez single. Vazquez leads the team with eight RBI, and was also able to steal his team-leading eighth base
Fayetteville took the lead in the top of the third. Rolando Espinosa led the frame off with a walk and then scored on an RBI base knock from Tyler Whitaker to tie the game. Zach Cole walked with one out to push Whitaker into scoring position, then Narbe Cruz doubled to score Whitaker and put Fayetteville in front 2-1.
The Fireflies tied the game in the bottom of the third 2-2, as Daniel Vazquez lifted a single to right that scored Omar Hernandez all the way to first.
Columbia was able to break the scoreless tie in the first inning. After Levi Usher led-off the game with a double, Daniel Vazquez brought him home with a groundout to short to put Columbia in front 1-0.
The Fireflies close out their series with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers tomorrow night at 5:05 pm at Segra Park. LHP Frank Mozzicato (0-0, 0.00 ERA) gets the nod for Columbia and Fayetteville counters with righty Joey Mancini (0-0, 5.14 ERA).
Tomorrow night is a Sunday Funday at Segra Park. It's also Autism Awareness Night. We'll have sensory safe areas where the sound will be turned down and flashing lights will be limited. There'll also be a player autograph session prior to the game and following the game kids 12 and under can run the bases thanks to Bang Back Pinball Lounge. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.
Images from this story
 Columbia Fireflies' Levi Usher in action (Michael Leuck) |
Carolina League Stories from April 22, 2023
- Kannapolis Clubs RiverDogs 15-3 on Saturday - Charleston RiverDogs
- Fireflies Win It 6-5 in 11 Innings - Columbia Fireflies
- Shorebirds and Fred Nats Suspended on Saturday Night - Delmarva Shorebirds
- FredNats Suspended on Saturday Night - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Pelicans and GreenJackets Postponed Due to Weather - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- April 22nd Wood Ducks Game Postponed - Down East Wood Ducks
- Mudcats and Wood Ducks Postponed Saturday - Carolina Mudcats
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes vs Fayetteville - Columbia Fireflies
- Woodies Walk-Off for First Win Against the Mudcats - Down East Wood Ducks
- Pitching Holds on While Offense Produces Efficiently in Win for Kannapolis Friday - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
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.
