Fireflies Back in First Following 3-2 Win

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies rallied behind six scoreless innings from starter Ben Kudrna, as they outdueled Kannapolis 3-2 at Atrium Health Ballpark Saturday night.

Kudrna (W, 2-4) collected his first quality start of his career, fanning six hitters in as many innings, while allowing four hits and two walks, but no runs. The righty collected a career-high in innings pitched and tied a career-high six strikeouts for a third time this season.

After roping together five scoreless innings out of the chute, Kannapolis’ (17-12) second reliever, Hunter Dollander (L, 3-1) surrendered a run in the sixth. With runners on the corners and no one out, Jaswel De Los Santos laid a bunt down the first base line to plate Erick Peña, garnering the Fireflies a 1-0 lead.

Insurance came in the seventh. After Daniel Vazquez walked to lead-off the inning, Enrique Valdez and Peña hit back-to-back two out singles to put the Fireflies up 3-0.

Heribert Garcia (S, 1) closed out the game, spinning three innings of relief, allowing a run in the seventh and the ninth, but holding the Fireflies lead to earn their second-consecutive win over Kannapolis.

With the win, the Fireflies (17-11) are now in first place in the South Division in the second half.

Columbia closes out their series with the Cannon Ballers tomorrow afternoon at Atrium Health Ballpark at 1 pm. RHP Ben Hernandez (1-5, 4.44 ERA) toes the rubber for Columbia and Kannapolis counters with RHP Jared Kelly (0-4, 3.47 ERA).

The Fireflies return home to Segra Park August 2, where they’ll face the Charleston RiverDogs at home for the first time in the 2022 season. We have a week jam-packed with promotions, including Paw Patrol Night August 6! Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.