Grotz Silences West Virginia Bats Again, Leads Columbia to Series-Opening Win

CHARLESTON, WV - Two weeks ago, Zac Grotz tossed six strong innings against West Virginia at Spirit Communications Park. The righty allowed just one run but did not pick up the win that night. On Wednesday, Grotz shut down the Power again and this time was awarded the victory. Columbia took the series opener by a final of 5-2 and picked up its third straight win.
This is the first three-game win streak for the Fireflies since defeating Augusta in three straight from June 8-10. This was also Grotz's (W, 2-5) first win since beating Lexington on June 24. The righty did not walk a batter on Wednesday and punched out six.
The offense scored early and often. Columbia's (21-29, 55-62) shortstop Hansel Moreno logged his second three-hit game of the year and Scott Manea (9) and Edgardo Fermin (8) both went yard.
Rigoberto Terrazas recorded a pair of hits and David Miranda (1-for-4, RBI) extended his hit streak to six in a row.
Manager Pedro Lopez's defense was also sharp. The Fireflies' infield turned three double plays behind Grotz and Josh Payne (S, 1). Payne tossed two scoreless frames out of the bullpen behind Grotz.  
SCORING SUMMARY
TOP 2 - Hansel Moreno and David Miranda both knock in runs with consecutive singles. COL 2, WV 0
TOP 4 - Rigoberto Terrazas scores Gio Alfonzo with a single. COL 3, WV 0
TOP 5 - Scott Manea goes yard over the left-field wall. COL 4, WV 0
BOTTOM 5 - Dylan Busby doubles in a run … Luke Mangieri's single plates another. COL 4, WV 2
TOP 8 - Edgardo Fermin crushes a solo homer. COL 5, WV 2
The series between Columbia and West Virginia pushes into Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 ET at Appalachian Power Park. Right-hander Marcel Renteria (3-2, 4.25) throws for the Fireflies and faces Power lefty Oddy Nunez (0-0, 2.25).
You can listen to the action on FOX Sports Radio 1400 AM, ColumbiaFireflies.com and the iHeartRadio app starting at 6:45 p.m.