Winning Streak Ends at Six in 2-0 Loss

Columbia, SC – The Fireflies bats were silenced behind their third quality start in their last five games as they fell 2-0 to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at Pelicans Ballpark Tuesday evening.

Felix Arronde (L, 3-5) kept up Columbia’s stretch of solid starting pitching going. The righty worked seven innings while allowing two runs off two solo homers while punching out five before handing the ball to the bullpen. It was Columbia’s third quality start in their last five games.

The Fireflies only needed one bullpen arm. Connor Fenlong allowed a pair of hits in the eighth, but worked in and out of trouble thanks to a pair of punchouts to keep it a two-run game.

Myrtle Beach broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth. Andy Garriola smoked a lead-off homer over the right field wall to put the Pelicans up 1-0. They added another lead-off homer in the seventh. This time, it was Alfonsin Rosario who blasted his seventh long ball of the season to double Myrtle Beach’s lead.

The Pelicans’ starter, Kenten Egbert (W, 4-2) made it four-consecutive outings without allowing a run as he set down the Fireflies quietly through the first five frames. Next, Vince Reilly spun two hitless innings to get it to closer Nico Zeglin (S, 3) who went a pair of innings to close things out.

The Fireflies continue their series with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans tomorrow night at Pelicans Ballpark at 7:05 pm. RHP Mauricio Veliz (0-1, 4.05 ERA) takes the slab for Columbia and Myrtle Beach counters with RHP Erian Rodriguez (3-3, 3.75 ERA).

Columbia returns home June 18 to play eight games in six days against the Carolina Mudcats. The Fireflies are kicking out all the stops with Miller Lite $2 Tuesday, Budweiser Thirsty Thursday and our new Friday and Saturday happy hours where fans can enjoy $5 drafts prior to first pitch. Saturday is also Bluey at the Ballpark night, presented by Cassell Brothers Home Services. Buy your tickets now at ColumbiaFireflies.com.