The Force Is Strong, Fireflies Stronger For Star Wars Night

The Fireflies used some late insurance and an excellent pitching performance to beat the Salem Red Sox 4-2 Saturday evening at Segra Park.

The Fireflies stormed ahead in the bottom of the seventh. With Derlin Figueroa and Chris Brito on the corners, Columbia executed a double steal to bring balance back to the force and restore the Fireflies’ lead.

Insurance came in the eighth for Columbia. Erick Pena led the frame off with a double. Next, Gabriel Silva laced a two bagger to the left field gap, scoring Pena and doubling the Fireflies lead to 4-2.

The bullpen impressed again Saturday for the home team. Emmanuel Reyes allowed a pair of runs in four innings before handing the ball off. Luis Polanco (W, 1-0) was the first reliever used and he twirled three scoreless innings to keep things even. Columbia scored right before Connor Fenlong (S, 1) stepped onto the bump to earn a six out save for his first professional save opportunity.

Columbia scratched the first tally in the score column. Johnny Perdomo and Blake Mitchell led off the bottom of the first with a pair of singles. Both runners crossed home later in the inning on an Austin Charles line drive.

Salem responded by scoring a half inning later. Andy Lugo laced a one-out double down the left field line, then scored a batter later when Albert Feliz delivered a base hit to cut the deficit in half.

The Red Sox evened the score in the fourth inning. Stanley Tucker led off the frame with a free pass and promptly swiped second base afterwards. Tucker scored a few batters later when Juan Montero squeezed a grounder through the infield.

The Fireflies conclude their series with the Salem Red Sox tomorrow night at Segra Park at 5:05 pm. RHP Felix Arronde (2-2, 2.79 ERA) gets the nod for Columbia and Salem counters with right-hander Matt Duffy (0-1, 3.92 ERA).

The Columbia Fireflies continue their homestand tomorrow with Mother’s Day at Segra Park! Bring your favorite person to the Fireflies game and celebrate a day that’s all about our moms. We’ll start things off by hosting pre-game catch on the field for moms and their kids from 4-4:30 pm. We’ll recognize eight stellar moms during the game and every mom will get a free Mom Water canned cocktail and have a chance to win in-game giveaways. This night will also be the last night to bid on our pink jersey auction, benefiting breast cancer research.