Fireflies Stung by GreenJackets 16-3

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies struggled to contain the GreenJackets offense as they lost 16-3 Thursday night at Segra Park.

The difference came in the third inning. After Rusber Estrada reached on an error, Fireflies starter Ben Kudrna was lifted from the contest with the score 1-1. Samuel Valerio (L, 0-4) and Ryan Hennen would then face 14 batters in the top of the fourth, with Valerio allowing 10 consecutive batters to reach safely. By the end of the inning, the GreenJackets (29-25) were leading 10-1.

Augusta added another five runs off Marlin Willis in the top of the eighth inning, forcing infielder Joshua Rivera to close out the game. Rivera retired all four batters he faced.

Columbia (15-39) was able to tie the game in the bottom of the third inning. After Joshua Rivera legged out and infield single to lead off the frame, the third baseman advanced to second on a hit-and-run. Rivera would later score on a two out single up the middle from shortstop Daniel Vazquez. Vazquez is now riding a four-game hitting streak for the Fireflies, his longest stretch of the season thus far.

Augusta broke the scoreless tie in the first. After Geraldo Quintero singled with one out and moved to second on a 9-2 put-out from Jean Ramirez to Kyle Hayes, he scored when Brandol Mezquita reached on a throwing error from third baseman Joshua Rivera.

River Town closed out the Fireflies scoring, launching a two-run homer to score Jean Ramirez and cut Augusta’s lead to 16-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Columbia continues their series with the Augusta GreenJackets tomorrow night at Segra Park at 7:05 pm. Southpaw Frank Mozzicato (0-1, 8.10 ERA) gets the nod for the Fireflies and Augusta counters with RHP J.J. Niekro (4-0, 2.42 ERA).

Tomorrow is the start of MLB Play Ball Weekend at Segra Park. The Fireflies will be giving away a Jurassic-themed t-shirt to the first 1,000 fans through the gates thanks to Amarok. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.