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Mudcats Soar Past Columbia

(Credit: Neal Hock)
May 2, 2024

ZEBULON, N.C. - The Carolina Mudcats scored a season-high 16 runs and recorded a season-best 21 hits as they won their third straight game over the Columbia Fireflies by a 16-2 score on Thursday night at Five County Stadium. Columbia (12-11) tied the game at one in the top of

ZEBULON, N.C. - The Carolina Mudcats scored a season-high 16 runs and recorded a season-best 21 hits as they won their third straight game over the Columbia Fireflies by a 16-2 score on Thursday night at Five County Stadium.

Columbia (12-11) tied the game at one in the top of the third on a solo home run by Brennon McNair would that would be the closest they would get as Carolina (18-6) responded with a five-run bottom of the third highlighted by RBI hits from Yophery Rodriguez, Cooper Pratt and Blayberg Diaz, which chased Fireflies starter Hunter Hatteson (L, 1-2) from the game.

That margin was more than enough for Mudcats right hander Jesus Rivero (W, 3-1) who worked five innings allowing just the single tally while yielding one hit and fanning six to earn the win.

Carolina was not done scoring, though. The Mudcats added four more runs in the fourth inning as Tayden Hall collected a three-run triple and Luis Castillo followed with an RBI single to give the home team a 10-1 advantage.

The Mudcats added an exclamation point in the eighth with back-to-back home runs. The first from Miguel Briceno who blasted a three-run opposite field home run, his first of the season; Daniel Guilarte followed with a solo shot and the final margin of 16-2.

Carolina and Columbia continue their series on Friday night at Five County Stadium with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. The Mudcats give the ball to right hander Josh Knoth (0-1, 3.09 ERA) while the Fireflies send right hander Blake Wolters (0-0, 4.26 ERA) to the hill. Following the game, fans can enjoy Friday Night Fireworks presented by CBS17 and tickets can be purchased by going to CarolinaMudcats.com or calling 919-269-2287.

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