COLUMBIA, SC - Scott Manea's three-run blast highlighted a 5-2 victory over the GreenJackets in the series opener on Thursday night. The catcher broke a 2-2 tied in the bottom of the seventh inning with his eighth home run of the season. Columbia has won seven of it last eight
COLUMBIA, SC - Scott Manea's three-run blast highlighted a 5-2 victory over the GreenJackets in the series opener on Thursday night. The catcher broke a 2-2 tied in the bottom of the seventh inning with his eighth home run of the season. Columbia has won seven of it last eight games against Augusta.
Tony Dibrell (W, 4-5) guided the Fireflies (12-14, 46-47) through seven frames - matched a career high - in his 16th start of the season. The righty recorded 10 strikeouts, allowed just two runs, and only walked one batter. Dibrell leads the club with 106 strikeouts this season.
Columbia immediately responded to a 1-0 deficit in the bottom of the first inning. Edgardo Fermin smashed his seventh home run of the season - a solo shot - and tied the game. Three of Fermin's seven long balls this season have come in the first frame.
Augusta (10-17, 47-48) regained the lead in the sixth when Jacob Gonzalez knocked in Heliot Ramos with a single. Just like the first stanza, the home team answered in the bottom half. Fermin worked a lead-off walk and two batters later Manea singled. Following Quinn Brodey's walk to load the bases, GreenJackets manager Jolbert Cabrera removed starting pitcher Garrett Cave. Zach Rheams earned a walk against reliever JJ Santa Cruz and the Fireflies tied the game, 2-2. Columbia still had the bases loaded with just one out, but couldn't cash in any more runs. Dionis Paulino struck out and Gio Alfonzo flew out to end the frame.
The knockout blow arrived in the seventh. Hansel Moreno led off with a bunt single and then advanced to second on Oliver Pascual's sacrifice bunt. Fermin singled and that brought the tying run to the plate. Manea gave the Fireflies 5-2 with a home run and after a two-hit night holds a .321 batting average in July.
Conner O'Neil slammed the door with two scoreless innings and picked up his second save of the season. The righty registered two strikeouts and needed just 20 pitches.
The Fireflies and GreenJackets battle again on Friday night at Spirit Communications Park. RHP Zac Grotz (1-2, 6.30) starts on the mound for Columbia and faces LHP John Gavin (4-3, 1.86). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and you can listen to the action live on FOX SPORTS Radio 1400 AM or online at columbiafireflies.com. The game is also available live on MiLB.tv.
