Brantley Strikes Out Nine In Loss To Asheville

COLUMBIA, SC - The Fireflies fell to the Tourists, 4-1, in the second game of this series on Wednesday night. Justin Brantley continued to open eyes on the mound despite the loss. Columbia's starter matched his career high in innings (seven) and strikeouts (nine). The 26-year-old has lasted at least six stanzas in four of his previous five outings.
Brantley (L, 2-3) faced adversity in the first three innings. The righty absorbed seven hits and three runs during this span. However, he battled back and did not allow a run or a hit in his final four frames on the hill.
Columbia (27-38, 67-66) scored its lone run against Asheville (35-30, 64-69) in the third inning. After Arnaldo Berrios tripled, Oliver Pascual recorded a sacrifice fly. The Fireflies were only behind, 3-1, at the time. This was the first game for Pascual as a Firefly. The 20-year-old was added to the club's roster on Wednesday.
Antonio Santos (W, 9-9) was impressive on the mound for the Tourists. The righty lasted a season-long eight innings and posted 10 strikeouts.
Luis Carpio finished with two of the home team's four hits. It's the 20-year-old's 24^th multi-hit game of the season.
The Fireflies play their final game at Spirit Communications Park on Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. against the Asheville Tourists. Darwin Ramos (2-2, 4.59) makes the start for Columbia and righty Logan Longwith (1-0, 1.50) takes the ball for Asheville.
You can listen to the action on ESPN Columbia 94.9 FM and 1230 AM, ColumbiaFireflies.com and the TuneIn Radio app starting at 6:45 p.m. The game also airs live on MiLB.tv.