Late Rally Puts Fireflies in Front 3-2

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.