Fireflies Bats Silenced in 3-0 Loss

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies bats couldn’t make-up the ground after the Salem Red Sox scored three runs in the first and Columbia fell 3-0 at Segra Park Saturday night.

The Red Sox burst out of the gates in the first inning, scoring three runs off starter Samuel Valerio (L, 1-3). The first three hitters reached on Valerio before a sacrifice fly and a Juan Chacon RBI knock put Salem in front 3-0.

Valerio worked a clean second inning before he handed the ball to Oscar Rayo, who spun three scoreless innings to keep the score close for Columbia. Next up in the bullpen day was Eduardo Herrera. The righty spun a pair of innings without allowing before Nicholas Regalado made his Fireflies debut, striking out four of the six batters he faced.

Salem’s starter Luis Perales (W, 1-4) allowed only one baserunner. The righty gave up a single to Brett Squires to lead-off the second and then retired the last 12 hitters he faced before letting the bullpen take control. The Salem pitching staff only had to face two more than the minimum Saturday. Caleb Bolden (S, 2) closed things out with a six out save, allowing a single to Brennon McNair as he kept the shutout intact.

The Fireflies finish up their series with the Salem Red Sox tomorrow at Segra Park at 5:05 pm. RHP Mauricio Veliz (0-2, 4.44 ERA) toes the rubber for Columbia and Salem counters with RHP Jedixson Paez (0-3, 5.70 ERA).

Tomorrow night, the Fireflies close out the homestand with a Sunday Funday. We’ll have a Fireflies autograph session prior to the game and kids can run the bases after the game thanks to Bang Back Pinball Lounge. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.