Fielding Mistakes Strike Down Fireflies

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies gave up three unearned runs in the seventh inning, spoiling a hitless start from Ryan Ramsey in a 4-1 loss to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Saturday night at Segra Park.

Chazz Martinez (L, 6-5) retired the first three hitters he faced. To stretch the Fireflies streak to 17 hitters retired in order, but after that, the defense imploded.

Martinez started the seventh issuing a walk to Bryce Willits. After back-to-back fielder’s choices where everyone reached safely, the Cannon Ballers had the bases loaded with only one out. Following a pop out, the damage was done. Drake Logan laced a single to left-center to score a pair and give Kannapolis their first hit of the game. Colby Smelley closed out the scoring coming around on a wild pitch to give the Cannon Ballers a 3-0 lead heading to the stretch.

Columbia answered back with some two out hitting. Levi Usher extended the home half of the seventh with a two out single and then Jean Ramirez scrapped his third hit of the game, an RBI double to score Usher from first and cut Kannapolis’ lead to 3-1.

The Cannon Ballers would score another run in the ninth. With two outs and Logan Glass on second, Cooper McKeehan allowed a single to Wilber Sanchez to make Kannapolis’ lead 4-1.

Ryan Ramsey had a fantastic start for the Fireflies. The southpaw didn’t allow a hit in five frames and he punched out a career-high seven Cannon Ballers. Ramsey retired the last 14 hitters he faced in order before turning things over to the bullpen in a scoreless game.

For the second straight night, Columbia was unable to scrap a hit a cross with runners in scoring position. The Fireflies were 0-7 Saturday and are 0-14 on the series with runners threatening.

The Fireflies close out their series with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers tomorrow night at Segra Park at 5:05 pm. RHP Mauricio Veliz (1-4, 6.02 ERA) takes the hill for Columbia and Kannapolis counters with RHP Mason Adams (3-3, 3.61 ERA).

Tomorrow is the conclusion of Dino Weekend and a kid’s Sunday Funday. Prior to the game, we’ll have a Fireflies autograph session and after the game kids under 12 can run the bases thanks to Bang Back Pinball Lounge. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.