The Columbia Fireflies evened the series by hanging on late for a 3-2 win over the Charleston RiverDogs on Friday night at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Angel Mateo’s two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning ignited the crowd, but Luis Polanco retired the final two batters with the tying run on first base to end the game and disappoint a crowd of 5,603 fans.
Columbia (8-5) first reached the scoreboard two batters into the ballgame. Kansas City Royals #1 prospect Blake Mitchell hooked a solo home run over the wall in the right field corner to hand the Fireflies a quick 1-0 advantage. That was the only run allowed by Charleston starter T.J. Nichols in his 3.2 innings on the hill. The right-hander struck out a pair.
That lead doubled in the fifth inning with a two-out rally from the Fireflies. After the first two batters were retired, Columbia lined three consecutive singles off Engert Garcia, the final of which came courtesy of Austin Charles and drove in a run to make it 2-0.
What turned out to be a difference-making insurance run scored in Columbia’s last trip to the plate. Adam Boucher walked the leadoff man and a sacrifice bunt by Gabriel Silva was compounded by a throwing error from catcher Joshuan Sandoval. With men on the corners, Boucher retired the next two hitters to keep that runner at third base. However, Jhonny Perdomo did the damage with two outs on a line drive single to right field.
Down 3-0 entering the bottom of the inning, and with only three hits in the game, the RiverDogs (6-7) refused to go quietly. Adrian Santana led off by poking a double into left field. With one out, Mateo hammered his third home run of the season well over the left field fence to pull the Dogs within 3-2. Noah Myers was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat, meaning the tying run was at first base. Columbia reliever Luis Polanco dug in his heels and retired Carlos Colmenarez and Ricardo Gonzalez to end the game.
Santana led all hitters with a 3-4 showing and two stolen bases. Columbia received a pair of hits from Mitchell and Daniel Vazquez. The Fireflies outhit the Dogs 8-5.
Garcia allowed one run in 3.2 innings out of the bullpen. Boucher worked the final 1.1 innings and allowed only an unearned run. Columbia’s Felix Arronde earned the win by tossing 5.0 scoreless frames.
Ballpark Fun
A lively crowd turned up for the second REV Federal Credit Union Fireworks Show of the campaign. During a fourth inning promotion, a couple was blindfolded and engaged in a pillow fight. Midway through, the man removed his blindfold and dropped to a knee with a ring in hand. His girlfriend removed her blindfold and said yes to his proposal as the crown gave them an ovation.
One team will depart Saturday’s game with a series lead. First pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m. on Boy Band Night. The team will take the field in alternate uniforms resembling whitewashed blue jeans with RHP Owen Wild (0-0, 3.24) on the bump. Reigning Carolina League Pitcher of the Week LHP Hunter Patteson (1-0, 0.00) will oppose him.
The RiverDogs continue their hunt for a fourth-consecutive Carolina League championship in 2024. The full schedule of games is available here.
Columbia 3, Charleston 2
April 19, 2024
Click here for the box score
Columbia (R-H-E): 3-9-1
Charleston (R-H-E): 2-5-1
Win: Arronde (2-0)
Loss: Nichols (0-2)
Save: Polanco (1)
HR: Columbia: Blake Mitchell (2, 1st inning, 0 on base)
HR: Charleston: Angel Mateo (2, 9th inning, 1 on base)
