Ramsey Sets Fireflies Record in Win

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies split a doubleheader with the Augusta GreenJackets, but the real highlight came in game two. Although Ryan Ramsey allowed two runs, snapping his scoreless innings streak. He didn’t allow an earned run until after he left the game, spinning 5.1 innings. That left him with 30.2 innings between the two earned runs he’s allowed this season, which stands alone for the longest streak in Fireflies’ history.

Game One

The difference in this one came in the fifth. Oscar Rayo allowed the first two base runners to reach and then after striking out Tyler Collins walked the next two hitters, allowing Augusta to cut Columbia’s lead to 2-1 before Rayo left the game. The knock-out blow came from Drew Compton hit a three RBI double to flip the script and give Augusta a 4-2 lead. The GreenJackets would add one more run before the end of the inning to give them all they needed for the win.

Columbia took an early 2-0 lead in the third inning. Hayden Dunhurst led the frame off with a single and came around to score on a Jean Ramirez single to break the scoreless tie. Ramirez scored on a wild pitch to make the Fireflies lead 2-0 before the end of the inning.

The Fireflies wrapped up their scoring in the sixth. Austin Charles walked to start the inning, then Brett Squires moved him to third with a base knock. Daniel Vazquez singled to bring home Austin Charles to cut Augusta’s lead to 5-3 before Lizandro Rodriguez grounded into a fielder’s choice where Squires squeeked home safely to bring the Fireflies within a run.

Game Two

Early offense was the key for the Fireflies. Jean Ramirez started the game with a bunt single, then Omar Hernandez followed the act with a single through the middle to set the table. Trevor Warner lifted an RBI double to right to put Columbia on the board and a Daniel Vazquez sacrifice fly made the lead 2-0.

After the GreenJackets scored an unearned run off Ryan Ramsey in the first, they cut the lead to 2-1. It also ended Ramsey’s scoreless inning streak at 26.0 innings. The righty would allow one more run, this time earned after he left the game. He finished without allowing an earned run in 30.2-consecutive innings, which is a new Fireflies franchise record, outpacing Adonis Uceta who had 29.1-straight innings without allowing an earned run in 2017.

The Fireflies scored their final run in the second inning. Roger Leyton led the inning off with a single and then Dionmy Salon moved him to third with a hit of his own. Jean Ramirez laid down another bunt single to give Columbia a 3-1 edge that allowed them to hold on for the win.

Ben Sears closed out the game for the Fireflies, spinning his eighth save of the season as he recorded the final five outs of the game, tallying three punchouts in the process.

The Fireflies close out their series with the GreenJackets tomorrow afternoon at SRP Park at 1:35 pm. RHP Mauricio Veliz (2-5, 5.60 ERA) takes the bump for the Fireflies and Augusta counters with RHP Lucas Braun (Debut).

Columbia returns home for a 12-game homestand vs the Charleston RiverDogs and Myrtle Beach Pelicans August 8-20 at Segra Park. Join us for Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol Night August 12, a Ben Kudrna Bobblehead night August 18 and Faith & Family Night August 19. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.