Isbell Gets Fireflies Third Four Punchout Inning Tuesday

Columbia, SC – The Fireflies were locked in a pitcher’s duel, but the bats couldn’t come through as Columbia lost 2-1 to the Salem Red Sox Tuesday night at Segra Park.

The Fireflies bullpen was the highlight to the pitcher’s duel Tuesday at Segra Park. Chase Isbell was the first reliever out of the pen and he authored some history for the Fireflies. He punched out the first three hitters he faced in the seventh inning. Albert Feliz sat down swinging and Miguel Blais went down waving, but Antonio Anderson was able to scurry to first on a wild pitch, which allowed the opportunity for something special.

Isbell later struck out Nelly Taylor to become the third Fireflies pitcher to punch out four in a single inning. He joined Marlin Willis, who struck out four August 18, 2022 and John McMillon who accomplished the feat April 26, 2023 in the ninth inning vs Augusta.

Isbell closed out the night with two scoreless frames and five punchouts before Doug Kirkland and Connor Fenlong both worked a scoreless inning before the end of the game.

Salem was able to swipe the score column first in the second inning. Jhostynxon Garcia doubled to right-center field with one out to set the table for Freili Encarnacion who poked a single through to score Garcia and break the scoreless tie.

The Red Sox again took the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Miguel Bleis smoked his first homer of the season off Felix Arronde (L, 2-2) to push Salem to a 2-1 lead. The Fireflies starter lasted five innings and punched out six while allowing a pair of runs.

Columbia hopped on the board in the third inning. Lizandro Rodriguez slashed a single and swiped second for the top of the order. With a pair of outs, Daniel Vazquez lined a base knock to plate the second baseman and tie the game 1-1. That was one of Vazquez’s three singles on the night. The shortstop also stole a pair of bags.

Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz worked 4.2 innings with eight punchouts before he passed the ball to Salem’s bullpen with a one-run lead. Michael Sansone (W, 2-0) was the first arm out of the pen and he worked three scoreless frames, allowing just one baserunner before getting it to the closer Max Carlson (S, 2) to keep Columbia off the board.

The Fireflies continue their series with the Salem Red Sox tomorrow at 7:05 pm. LHP Hunter Patteson (1-2, 4.12 ERA) takes the hill for Columbia and Salem counters with RHP Luis Cohen (1-3, 4.19 ERA).

Tomorrow is another Trash the Poop Dog Days of Summer where you can take your dog to the ballpark with you. It’s also MLB’s Hope at Bat. Major League Baseball will donate $10 for each strikeout to Breast Cancer Research and we will honor local warriors who have fought cancer. Buy your tickets now at ColumbiaFireflies.com.