Los Chicharrones Lose Third Straight by One Run

COLUMBIA, SC – Los Chicharrones de Columbia came close again at Segra Park Friday night, leading 2-0 over Los Pelicanos de Myrtle Beach after six innings, but falling in 10 frames 3-2.

The Fireflies started off the game with an excellent start from Matt Stil, who spun four scoreless before handing the ball to Emilio Marquez. Marquez labored through four innings and allowed a pair of runs to score in the seventh and eighth that led to Myrtle Beach (40-42) tying the game before Marquez was lifted for Zach Phillips (L, 0-3).

Phillips was on the mound for the 10th and final frame. The lefty forced a groundout which moved Luis Verdugo, the inherited runner at second, 90 feet away from scoring with one out. After fanning Kevin Made, Phillips gave up a single sliced between short and third to put Los Pelicanos in front 3-2.

Los Chicharrones (38-43) were unable to score Gage Hughes, who pinch ran for Matt Schmidt in extras.

Tyler Tolbert broke the game open in the fourth with a solo shot to right field, his third homer of the season, to put Columbia in front 1-0. With runners on the corners in the sixth, Jose Almonte errantly threw a pick-off past first to allow Diego Hernandez to score and put the Fireflies in front 2-0.

The Fireflies continue their series with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans tomorrow evening at Segra Park. Columbia offers RHP Anderson Paulino (6-3, 4.57 ERA) on the bump and Myrtle Beach counters with LHP DJ Herz (2-4, 3.56 ERA).

The Copa De La Diversión continues tomorrow at Segra Park! Los Chicharrones y Los Pelicanos will play again prior to an excellent firework show provided by Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics. Fans can purchase tickets at FirefliesTickets.com.