Rally Cut Short on Baserunning Snafu Friday

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies trailed 5-1 as they entered the ninth, inning, but with nobody out, they put the tying run on the basepaths, before Myrtle Beach turned a double play, ending Columbia’s rally while trailing 5-3 Friday night at Segra Park.

Lizandro Rodriguez started the frame with a single to right off Starlyn Pichardo, who then walked Trevor Werner. After that, Buddy Bailey went to the bullpen, pulling Gregori Montano (S, 2) to the hill.

Roger Leyton slapped the first pitch he saw, scoring Rodriguez from second and pushing Trevor Werner to third. Dionmy Salon was hit by a pitch, putting the tying run on the basepaths with no one out. Montano balked, scoring Werner and pushing Leyton to third and Omar Hernandez, a pinch runner into scoring position.

Next, Wilmin Candelario flew out to left field and Leyton left third early trying to tag on the play, resulting in a 7-5 double play. Spencer Nivens flew out to end the game and Columbia’s rally sputtered to a halt.

The Pelicans struck first, after Brett Bateman and Jefferson Rojas both singled to start off the third, Brian Kalmer laced a two RBI triple off the wall in center to give Myrtle Beach a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning.

Fireflies starter Emmanuel Reyes (L, 0-4) also ran into some trouble in the second inning, but shortstop Austin Charles made a diving catch to record the third out and keep a run from scoring with the bases loaded.

Myrtle Beach kept their momentum rolling in the top of the fourth. Miguel Pabon started the frame with a lead-off double to right-center. He moved to third on a Leonel Espinoza base knock and came around to score when Brett Bateman grounded to short for a fielder’s choice that picked Espinoza off the basepaths.

Reyes finished the night with five innings of work and allowed three runs off five hits and two walks. He also recorded a pair of punchouts.

The Fireflies added a run in the top of the seventh. Carson Roccaforte drew a walk to lead-off the inning. Next, the designated hitter stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch, which set the table for Brett Squires to launch a towering sacrifice fly to left-center, scoring Roccaforte to cut Myrtle Beach’s lead to 3-1.

Marcus Olivarez came into the game in the sixth inning. The righty allowed the Pelicans to load the bases without recording an out. After that, Lizandro Rodriguez snared a line drive off the bat of Leonel Espinoza and doubled Ismael Mena off at second and then forced a 6-3 groundout to get out of the inning without allowing a run.

In the seventh, Jefferson Rojas smashed his second homer of the series, his sixth round tripper of the season, to the left field berm to push Myrtle Beach’s lead to 4-1.

Wesley Scott closed out the game, allowing one run across two innings. The righty punched out three hitters, but he also handed out four walks and hit one batter, leaving the bases loaded in the ninth.

The Fireflies continue their series with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans tomorrow night at Segra Park. LHP Oscar Rayo (3-2, 3.35 ERA) takes the ball for Columbia and Myrtle Beach counters with southpaw Drew Gray (0-3, 5.60 ERA).

Tomorrow is Faith & Family Night at Segra Park with a Pre-game concert starring Christian artist Josh Wilson, courtesy of His Radio 92.1. First pitch is slated for 6:05 pm and there will be post-game fireworks. The concert begins at 4:30 pm and gates will open early at 4 pm to allow fans to funnel in prior to the game. Tickets are available at FirefliesTickets.com.