Avila Dominant in 1-0 Loss to Pelicans

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies wasted an incredible performance from starter Luinder Avila as they fell 1-0 to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Tuesday night at TicketReturn.com Field.

Luinder Avila turned in the most dominant start of the season for any Fireflies pitcher. The righty tossed a career-best seven innings while allowing only a trio of hits. He exited the game with the two teams still locked in a scoreless stalemate.

In the bottom of the eighth, Oscar Rayo (L, 1-1) loaded the bases with a hit by pitch with two outs. The next batter, James Triantos, worked a four pitch walk to score Ezequiel Pagan to break the scoreless tie.

Luke Little twirled 3.2 innings to start off the shutout before Jose Miguel Gonzalez (W, 7-3) spun the next four innings. Gregori Montano (S, 1) closed the door with a scoreless ninth inning to complete the shutout of the Fireflies.

It is the Fireflies first 1-0 loss since a June 30, 2021 loss to the Augusta GreenJackets. It is the ninth time the Fireflies have been shutout this season.

The Fireflies mustered seven total hits on the night, including multi-hit games from Carter Jensen and Erick Peña, but they were not able to bring anyone home.

Columbia continues their series with the Pelicans at TicketReturn.com Field tomorrow night at 7:05 pm. LHP Frank Mozzicato (1-5, 5.40 ERA) climbs the hill for Columbia and Myrtle Beach counters with RHP Tyler Santana (9-1, 2.28 ERA).

The Fireflies return home for a two-week homestand against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and the Salem Red Sox August 16-28. The Fireflies will host Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night and wear special Black Panther Jerseys, host two fireworks shows and giveaway two shirts on the homestand. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.