Bats Buoy Cerantola’s Strong Start in 7-2 Victory

COLUMBIA, SC – The Fireflies scored half a dozen in the third and saw righty Eric Cerantola have the best start of the season in their 7-2 victory over the Charleston RiverDogs Saturday evening at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Ballpark.

Cerantola (W, 1-0) held the RiverDogs (4-4) hitless through the first three frames Saturday, and was lifted after five innings where he allowed a pair of runs. The Canadian-born pitcher became the first Fireflies (4-4) player to have 10 or more punchouts in a game since Dedniel Nunez did so against the Rome Braves April 8, 2019. Cerantola’s five inning outing is the longest start for a Fireflies pitcher this season.

Columbia’s bats were moving early. The scoring started in the second when Darryl Collins tripled to right with a single out before Erick Peña deposited a base hit to right to bring the left fielder home.

The third inning was where Columbia broke through. After RiverDogs starter Sandy Gaston (L, 0-2) walked the bases loaded, Edgar Martinez singled to increase the Fireflies lead to 2-0. Then Carter Jensen drew a walk to drive in a run. The big play came off the bat of Guillermo Quintana. The first baseman singled to left, but Gionti Turner kicked the ball, allowing the bases to clear and the Fireflies to take a 6-0 lead. Peña flew out to eventually drive in Quintana after another error to give the Fireflies a 7-0 lead.

Bobby Seymour and Jelfry Marte both drove home a run in the fifth, before Columbia turned to the bullpen. Samuel Valerio came out for his longest outing of the year, spinning three scoreless frames and fanning four. Delvin Capellan finished out the night, wringing up the side in a 1-2-3 frame.

The Fireflies will return home April 19 where they’ll play the Down East Wood Ducks for the first time. Down East will be in the Soda City for six games, including a t-shirt giveaway on Friday and a post-game fireworks show Saturday. For more information, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.