Late Rally Puts Fireflies in Front 3-2
May 29, 2022 - Carolina League (CarL)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
Daniel Vazquez of the Columbia Fireflies
(Columbia Fireflies, Credit: Michael Leuck)
COLUMBIA, SC - The Fireflies used three runs in the last three frames to beat the Lynchburg Hillcats 3-2 Sunday afternoon at Bank of the James Stadium.
Erick Peña started off the ninth in a big way splitting the outfielders in right-center to put the tying run in scoring position. The next hitter, Daniel Vazquez, brought Peña home to tie the game, singling to left off Lynchburg (24-20) reliever Trey Benton (BS, 2; L 0-1). Omar Florentino bunted Vazquez to third with only a single out, which set up Joshua Rivera. On an 0-1 pitch, the shortstop placed a ball between third and short that scored Vazquez and gave the Fireflies (14-31) their first lead of the game, making the score 3-2.
The Fireflies kicked-off their scoring in the top of the seventh inning. With two outs, Omar Florentino and Joshua Rivera drew back-to-back walks. Next, River Town slapped a base knock down the left field line to score Florentino and cut Lynchburg's lead to 2-1.
Lynchburg got the scoring started Sunday in the home half of the second. The first three batters were able to reach safely for the Guardians' affiliate, finishing with a Richard Planchar infield single that scored Jorge Burgos. Next, the Fireflies traded two outs for a run when Wilfri Peralta grounded into a 6-4-3 double play that allowed Isaiah Greene to score and put the Hillcats in front 2-0 early.
The bullpen was able to keep the game close. Jack Aldrich worked 3.2 innings to get through the seventh without allowing a run. The Tulane product fanned four Hillcats hitters while moving his ERA south to 3.32. Aldrich has a 2.45 ERA in May after recording an 8.31 ERA in April. Daury Cabrera closed out the game with a scoreless eighth inning.
Frank Mozzicato was able to rebound from his rough start Tuesday. The 18-year-old lasted 3.1 innings, allowing both Lynchburg runs off three hits and three walks. The southpaw also punched out three hitters.
On the other end, Will Dion brushed past the Fireflies for a second game this series. The righty allowed a single hit in five innings and did not allow a run over two starts this week.
Tomorrow the Fireflies travel to Salem to open up a six-game series at Haley Toyota Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark at 1 pm. Both teams have yet to announce their starters for the game.
Columbia returns home for a two-week homestand June 7-19 that includes two Budweiser Thirsty Thursdays, two Freebie Fridays, two firework shows and the return of Negro League Weekend! Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.
Images from this story
 Daniel Vazquez of the Columbia Fireflies (Michael Leuck) |
Carolina League Stories from May 29, 2022
- GreenJackets' Pitching Lights-Out in Sunday Victory - Augusta GreenJackets
- Bullpen Dominates, Pelicans Fall to Augusta in Series Finale - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Bellony's Cycle Caps 'Birds Emphatic 14-6 Win over 'Dogs - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Hillcats Lose to Columbia - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Strasburg Throws Five No-Hit Innings, FredNats Beat Red Sox to Split Series - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Woodies Steal Their Way to Victory - Down East Wood Ducks
- Bellony's Cycle Thwarts RiverDogs Hopes of Series Sweep - Charleston RiverDogs
- Adames and Mudcats Slug out 13-2 Finale Victory - Carolina Mudcats
- Late Rally Puts Fireflies in Front 3-2 - Columbia Fireflies
- Columbia Fireflies Roster Move and Game Notes vs Lynchburg May 29 - Columbia Fireflies
- INF Willy Adames Added on MLB Rehab - Carolina Mudcats
- Woodies Clinch Series Win - Down East Wood Ducks
- FredNats Split with Salem, Arias Hits Walk-off Single - Fredericksburg Nationals
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.
