Fireflies Notch 20 Strikeouts in 4-1 Win

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies pitching staff was lights out again as they punched out 20 Charleston RiverDogs hitters in a 4-1 win at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park Friday night.

Pitching was the name of the game again for the Columbia Fireflies (2-2). David Sandlin (W, 1-0) got the ball for a second time this season, and the Oklahoma product didn’t disappoint. The righty spun five frames, fanning a 2023 Fireflies’-best nine hitters. Next, Steven Zobac wrung up all six RiverDogs (2-3) hitters he saw before Samuel Valerio and Eduardo Herrera (S,1) each spun a scoreless inning to take us to the finish line.

The Fireflies started the scoring in the third inning. With Jean Ramirez in scoring position, Lizandro Rodriguez ripped an RBI triple down the right field line to break the scoreless tie. Rodriguez came around on a throwing error from reliever Kikito Severino as he was trying a pick-off at first base that gave the Fireflies a 2-0 lead.

The Fireflies increased their lead to 3-1 in the sixth inning. After Brennon McNair reached on a 6-4 fielder’s choice, Levi Usher slapped an RBI single up the middle to score Columbia’s third baseman.

Columbia continues their season with Charleston with a double header tomorrow night starting at 6:05 pm. Righty Mauricio Veliz will get the ball in game one for Columbia and Charleston will send RHP Marcus Johnson to the bump. In game two lefty Ryan Ramsey will make his Fireflies debut and Charleston will counter with RHP Jonny Cuevas.

The Fireflies return home to Segra Park Tuesday, April 18 to start a six-game series with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. The homestand will include a Hawaiian Shirt giveaway courtesy of AMAROK and our annual Princess Knight presented by Republic Services is Saturday, April 22. Tickets start at only $5 when you buy in advance at FirefliesTickets.com.