Fireflies Walk Off On Wild Pitch

COLUMBIA, SC - The Fireflies had the bases loaded and just one out in the bottom of the tenth inning. With Michael Paez at the plate, pinch runner Desmond Lindsay scored the winning run on a walk-off wild pitch. Columbia has won seven of its last eight games after the 3-2 victory Thursday night.
The home team executed two bunts, which helped generate the winning run in the tenth. After Jay Jabs walked, Gene Cone dropped down a bunt single. Andrés Giménez delivered a sacrifice bunt and moved the runners to second and third base. Luis Carpio earned a walk, which produced the bases loaded situation.
Columbia (21-17) scored its first run in the first inning. Andres Gimenez recorded a double with just one out, which extended his on-base streak to 14 games. Luis Carpio singled to right field - runners at the corners. Michael Paez registered a sacrifice fly and scored Gimenez from third base. The Fireflies held the 1-0 lead into the eighth inning and that's when West Virginia's (18-21) offense finally arrived. Joe Zanghi allowed two hits and two runs during the frame. The Power grabbed a 2-1 edge.
In the bottom of the ninth, Michael Paez reached base on a throwing error from the third baseman Hunter Owen. Dash Winningham singled to right field off reliever Jordan Jess (L, 1-2), but was then thrown out running to second base. Paez scored on the throw to second and tied the game, 2-2, in the ninth. 
Adonis Uceta (W, 2-0) pitched Columbia out of a pivotal moment in the top of the tenth inning. The righty entered out of the bullpen with two runners on base and the score tied, 2-2. Uceta retired the only two batters he faced to end the frame. Merandy Gonzalez was also very sharp in his seventh start on the mound. The reigning South Atlantic League Player of the Month lasted seven scoreless innings and issued just one walk.
The Fireflies are back in action on Friday night against the Power at Spirit Communications Park. First pitched is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Lefty Blake Taylor (0-4, 4.22) makes his seventh start of the season. West Virginia sends southpaw Cam Vieaux (1-0, 1.35) to the hill.
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.