Pitching Staff Blanks Fredericksburg 5-0
COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies pitching staff worked their seventh shutout of the season behind a three-run sixth to beat Fredericksburg 5-0 at Segra Park Friday night. The Fireflies pitching staff earned their seventh shutout of the season. The staff with the best ERA in Minor League started off the
COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies pitching staff worked their seventh shutout of the season behind a three-run sixth to beat Fredericksburg 5-0 at Segra Park Friday night.
The Fireflies pitching staff earned their seventh shutout of the season. The staff with the best ERA in Minor League started off the second-half as well as they could. It’s the 17th time the Fireflies have held their opponent to one run or less this year.
Frank Mozzicato (W, 2-4) spun five scoreless frames, punching out six to give him a league-leading 83 on the season. Next, Ben Sears turned in his second three frame outing of the year, allowing just one base runner. Finally, Chazz Martinez closed out the game with a 1-2-3 ninth, punching out a pair to keep Fredericksburg at bay.
Columbia was able to jump on top in the first inning. The Fireflies lead-off hitter, Jean Ramirez doubled to start off the game before Brett Squires had a two out two-bagger to score Ramirez and give the Fireflies the lead. Next, Daniel Vazquez reached on a fielding error from Armando Cruz and Squires motored around to put the Fireflies in front 2-0.
The Fireflies piled it on in the sixth. Squires kicked off the frame with a one-out double. The magic came after the second out was recorded. Lizandro Rodriguez smacked an RBI triple to the right-center gap before Mason Denaburg walked Roger Leyton and Erick Peña to load the bases with two outs. After a trip to the bullpen, Brennon McNair bounced an infield single deep to the hole at short to plate Rodriguez and increase Columbia’s lead to 4-0. Ramirez drew a walk to bring Leyton home and bring the score to 5-0.
Squires tied a career-high with three hits Friday. He now has reached base safely in 15 of his last 16 games.
The Fireflies kick-off their weekend against the Fredericksburg Nationals tomorrow night at 6:05 pm. RHP Shane Panzini (1-5, 3.21 ERA) takes the bump for Columbia and Fredericksburg sends RHP Bryan Caceras (3-0, 4.70 ERA).
Tomorrow night continues Negro League Celebration Weekend at Segra Park. The Fireflies are welcoming historical guests to help celebrate and honor the history of the Negro Leagues this weekend and they’ll close out tomorrow’s game with an amazing fireworks show. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.