Strong Debuts Leads to Opening Victory
August 8, 2023 - Carolina League (CarL)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
Columbia Fireflies' Ben Sears On The Mound
(Columbia Fireflies)
COLUMBIA, SC - Columbia got two quality debuts from Carson Roccaforte, who the Royals picked with the 66th pick in this year's draft and Henry Williams, who the Royals acquired in the Scott Barlow trade as they beat Charleston 4-2 Tuesday night at Segra Park.
The Fireflies got things going in the first. Carson Roccaforte hit a lead-off stand-up triple in his first Carolina League at-bat and then came around on an Omar Hernandez sacrifice fly to break the scoreless tie.
In the fourth, Columbia added to their lead. Brett Squires got things rolling with a one out double and then Austin Charles and Daniel Vazquez set the table with back-to-back walks to load the bases. Trevor Werner grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Squires and doubled Columbia's lead and then a wild pitch from RiverDogs starter Alex Ayala Jr. brought home a third run for Columbia.
The Fireflies' final run came around in the sixth inning. Spencer Nivens led-off the frame with a double. Squires laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him to third and then Charles dribbled a single over shortstop Carlos Colmenarez's head to push Columbia's lead to 4-1.
Henry Williams (W, 1-0) had a fantastic debut for the Fireflies. The righty spun five innings without allowing a run. He tallied four punchouts while allowing only a pair of hits in the process.
The bullpen closed out the game in strong fashion. Chazz Martinez (H, 3) spun the sixth and the seventh, allowing just one run before handing the ball to Ben Sears (S, 9) who earned an eight out save to take the first in a six-game series against the RiverDogs.
The RiverDogs scored a pair of runs, both off the bat of Julio Meza. He tripled off Chazz Martinez and came around to score in the fifth and then launched his third homer of the season to left field to cut Columbia's lead to 4-2 in the seventh off Ben Sears.
The Fireflies continue their series with the Charleston RiverDogs tomorrow night at Segra Park at 7:05 pm. RHP Ben Hernandez (0-1, 2.50 ERA) takes the hill for Columbia and Charleston counters with LHP Ian Seymour (0-0, 2.13 ERA).
Tomorrow night is a Whiteclaw Wednesday at Segra Park. Fans can enjoy $5 16 oz cans of Whiteclaw seltzer once within the gates. It's also a Trash the Poop Wag-Along Wednesday where you can bring your pup with you to the ballpark. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.
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 Columbia Fireflies' Ben Sears On The Mound |
Carolina League Stories from August 8, 2023
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- Shorebirds' Offense Stymied by MudCats in Series Opener - Delmarva Shorebirds
- McDaniel's Six Shutout Innings Push Kannapolis to Third Consecutive Victory Tuesday Over Down East - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Crews Slam Powers Nats in 11-2 Win - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Slide Reaches Three Games as RiverDogs Fall to Fireflies - Charleston RiverDogs
- Hillcats Topped by Nationals, 11-2 - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Strong Debuts Leads to Opening Victory - Columbia Fireflies
- Final Homestand Coming Soon to SRP Park - Augusta GreenJackets
- Shorebirds Announce Series of Roster Moves - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes 8.8 vs Charleston - Columbia Fireflies
- Hillcats Announce Roster Update - Lynchburg Hillcats
- RiverDogs Head to Homestretch with Roster Reset - Charleston RiverDogs
- Pelicans' Single Game Playoff Tickets on Sale Now - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
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