Early Pitching Woes Bury Fireflies

Fireflies drop first game in Kannapolis 6-2

By John Kocsis Jr.

May 21, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Fireflies pitching staff gave up runs in each of the first three innings and ended up dropping Friday night’s contest to Kannapolis 6-2 at Atrium Health Ballpark. Cruz Noriega (L, 0-1) got the start for Columbia and gave up three bombs to Kannapolis in the first

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Fireflies pitching staff gave up runs in each of the first three innings and ended up dropping Friday night’s contest to Kannapolis 6-2 at Atrium Health Ballpark.

Cruz Noriega (L, 0-1) got the start for Columbia and gave up three bombs to Kannapolis in the first three innings. In total, he allowed four runs, all earned off five hits in four innings. DJ Gladney started things off for Kannapolis (2-14) with a two-run shot off a full-count pitch in the first inning. Victor Torres and Cabrera Weaver both added solo shots in the second and third, respectively, to keep the Fireflies (9-7) at bay.

The bats kept the game close, Kale Emshoff cracked him seventh double of the season to left-center to plate Brady McConnell in the top of the second and bring the Fireflies to within one. In the third, it was McConnell’s turn to drive in a run, as he hit a two-bagger to plate Jake Means and make the score 3-2 in favor of the Cannon Ballers. After that, Kannapolis opted to throw Angel Acevedo (W, 1-0) in relief. The 22-year-old twirled 3.2 one-hit innings and punched out six Fireflies to pave the way for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.

Maikel Garcia finished the game 0-5, ending his eight-game hitting streak. The stretch was the longest hitting streak for a Fireflies hitter this season. The infielder went 12-33 (.364) with four RBI during the streak, which began May 11.

The Fireflies are back at it against the Cannon Ballers Saturday at 7 pm at Atrium Health Ballpark. RHP Delvin Capellan (0-1, 4.00 ERA) takes the mound for Columbia and Kannapolis sends RHP Jared Kelley (0-2, 14.40 ERA) to the bump.

Columbia returns home Tuesday, May 25 to start a six-game set with the Augusta GreenJackets, who they split the opening series of the season with. The homestand is filled with promotions and starts off with a Miller Lite $2 Tuesday. Fans can purchase hot dogs, popcorn, fountain soda and 12 oz cans of Miller Lite for just $2 at Segra Park all evening long. To purchase tickets, visit FirefliesTickets.com.