Fireflies Prove Third-Straight Walk-Off’s the Charm

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies had a walk-off hit for a third consecutive night, scoring three in the ninth, capping it off with a single from David Hollie, to beat Salem 4-3 Friday night at Segra Park.

Trailing 3-1, Felix Cepeda walked the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth to set the table for Columbia (29-22). Daniel Vazquez singled up the gut to score Carter Jensen and Cayden Wallace to tie the game 3-3. Then, Salem (24-27) intentionally walked Lizandro Rodriguez to face David Hollie, who punched a single off the left field wall to plate Guillermo Quintana and end the ball game.

The lead-off walk hurt Red Sox starting pitcher Luis Perales, who issued a free pass to Guillermo Quintana to start off the second. Columbia’s first baseman stole second to set the table for Lizandro Rodriguez who slapped an RBI single to right field that gave the Fireflies a 1-0 lead.

Rodriguez has now hit safely in 10-consecutive games, which is tied with Guillermo Quintana for the Fireflies’ longest hitting streak of 2022. Quintana’s streak lasted from June 24-July 8.

Ben Hernandez was stellar for Columbia, spinning five scoreless innings while punching out a handful of Red Sox hitters.

Columbia kicks-off the weekend vs the Salem Red Sox tomorrow night at Segra Park at 6:05 pm. RHP Shane Panzini (0-3, 4.58 ERA) takes the slab for Columbia and Salem counters with RHP Angel Bastardo (3-4, 4.56 ERA).

Tomorrow night is Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night at Segra Park! We’ll have appearances from Black Panther and Black Widow and the Fireflies will wear special Black Panther jerseys to honor South Carolina native Chadwick Boseman. Limited tickets are still available at FirefliesTickets.com.