Grotz Silences West Virginia Bats Again, Leads Columbia to Series-Opening Win
Published on August 15, 2018 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
CHARLESTON, WV - Two weeks ago, Zac Grotz tossed six strong innings against West Virginia at Spirit Communications Park. The righty allowed just one run but did not pick up the win that night. On Wednesday, Grotz shut down the Power again and this time was awarded the victory. Columbia took the series opener by a final of 5-2 and picked up its third straight win.
This is the first three-game win streak for the Fireflies since defeating Augusta in three straight from June 8-10. This was also Grotz's (W, 2-5) first win since beating Lexington on June 24. The righty did not walk a batter on Wednesday and punched out six.
The offense scored early and often. Columbia's (21-29, 55-62) shortstop Hansel Moreno logged his second three-hit game of the year and Scott Manea (9) and Edgardo Fermin (8) both went yard.
Rigoberto Terrazas recorded a pair of hits and David Miranda (1-for-4, RBI) extended his hit streak to six in a row.
Manager Pedro Lopez's defense was also sharp. The Fireflies' infield turned three double plays behind Grotz and Josh Payne (S, 1). Payne tossed two scoreless frames out of the bullpen behind Grotz.
SCORING SUMMARY
TOP 2 - Hansel Moreno and David Miranda both knock in runs with consecutive singles. COL 2, WV 0
TOP 4 - Rigoberto Terrazas scores Gio Alfonzo with a single. COL 3, WV 0
TOP 5 - Scott Manea goes yard over the left-field wall. COL 4, WV 0
BOTTOM 5 - Dylan Busby doubles in a run ... Luke Mangieri's single plates another. COL 4, WV 2
TOP 8 - Edgardo Fermin crushes a solo homer. COL 5, WV 2
The series between Columbia and West Virginia pushes into Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 ET at Appalachian Power Park. Right-hander Marcel Renteria (3-2, 4.25) throws for the Fireflies and faces Power lefty Oddy Nunez (0-0, 2.25).
You can listen to the action on FOX Sports Radio 1400 AM, ColumbiaFireflies.com and the iHeartRadio app starting at 6:45 p.m.
South Atlantic League Stories from August 15, 2018
- Drive Outslug Grasshoppers on Wednesday - Greenville Drive
- Intimidators Walk off in Crazy Extra Inning Game with GreenJackets - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Allen, Santos Homer in Loss to Drive - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- 'Dogs Stifle 'Birds in Opener - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Extras Innings Ends with a GreenJackets Loss - Augusta GreenJackets
- Off the Mark; Throwing Errors Cost Tourists - Asheville Tourists
- RiverDogs Hang Onto Early Lead to Top Shorebirds in Road Trip Opener - Charleston RiverDogs
- Legends Drop Game One in Hagerstown - Lexington Legends
- Swaggerty, Mangieri and Kaiser Debut for Power in 5-2 Loss - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Grotz Silences West Virginia Bats Again, Leads Columbia to Series-Opening Win - Columbia Fireflies
- Maton's Grand Slam Keys BlueClaws 7-2 Wednesday Win - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Fireflies Game Notes: August 15 at West Virginia (Game 117) - Columbia Fireflies
- West Virginia Power: Game Notes (august 15) - Charleston Dirty Birds
- RiverDogs Release 2019 Schedule - Charleston RiverDogs
- 2019 Schedule Asheville Tourists' Schedule Released - Asheville Tourists
- RiverDogs Release 2019 Schedule - Charleston RiverDogs
- Take a Look into the Future; Legends Announce 2019 Schedule - Lexington Legends
- Columbia Fireflies Release 2019 Season Schedule - Columbia Fireflies
- Rome Braves Release 2019 Schedule - Rome Emperors
- 2019 Crawdads Schedule Released - Hickory Crawdads
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.
