Suns Sweep Fireflies in Four Games

Becomes Suns First Four-Game Sweep Since 2017

Howell got the Suns out of a 4-1, bases loaded, no out jam to ensure the Suns got the win over the Fireflies Monday night. (Abby Choi/Hagerstown Suns Staff)

By John Kocsis Jr.

July 29, 2019

COLUMBIA, S.C (July 29, 2019) - The Suns bats started early to upend Columbia 5-1 to complete a four-game sweep at Segra Park Monday evening.The four-game sweep was Hagerstown's (48-59, 18-19) first sweep of that nature since the took a series from the Shorebirds from June 26-29, 2017 in Delmarva. The

COLUMBIA, S.C (July 29, 2019) - The Suns bats started early to upend Columbia 5-1 to complete a four-game sweep at Segra Park Monday evening.
The four-game sweep was Hagerstown's (48-59, 18-19) first sweep of that nature since the took a series from the Shorebirds from June 26-29, 2017 in Delmarva. The Suns are also currently riding a six-game winning streak--their longest streak of the season.

Tomas Alastre (W, 4-10) pitched a gem, working five, two-hit innings before leaving the game in the sixth with no one out and the bases loaded, but Jacob Howell entered, his team in front 4-1 and induced a line-into a double play gloved by Trey Vickers to eventually get out of the inning without allowing any more damage.
Howell finished the outing spinning two flawless frames vs the Fireflies (39-65, 15-23) before Matt Cronin worked through a scoreless eighth and Gabe Klobosits closed the door.
The bats got started early again. Jackson Cluff tripled to lead-off the first and the next batter, Justin Connell drove a sacrifice fly to center field to break the scoreless tie.
The Suns offense was not satisfied there though. Vickers chopped a base knock off starter Bryce Hutchinson (L, 4-6) to plate Israel Pineda, who doubled to get aboard.
Hagerstown added a pair in the fifth where Vickers doubled and Armond Upshaw brought him home with an RBI single. After he made it around to third, Cluff added a sacrifice fly of his own to make the score 4-0 in favor of the Suns.
The final run was gifted to Hagerstown in the eighth. After a walk and an error, Cluff found himself on third when Columbia reliever Jose Moreno balked him home to make the score 5-1.
After an off-day Hagerstown will face the Rome Braves Wednesday evening at 7:05 p.m. at Municipal Stadium. Both teams have yet to announce their starters for the contest.
The Suns return to Municipal Stadium Wedneday to kick off a seven-game homestand against the Rome Braves and Columbia Fireflies. The stretch includes plenty of exciting promotions, including Bark in the Park, Thirsty Thursday, a Juan Soto Bobblehead giveaway, Sunday Funday and Summer Camp Day. For tickets or more information visit hagerstownsuns.com or call 301-791-6266.