Crowd of 4,776 Packs the Frans For July 4th

Hickory, NC- Fans filled the Frans for an Independence Day Extravaganza on Thursday evening as the 'Dads took on the Columbia Fireflies. The 'Dads rallied late but ultimately came up short, falling 5-3.

The Fireflies got on the board first with a run in the second inning off Crawdads starting pitcher Yerry Rodriguez, who came in the game ranked third in the South Atlantic League with a 2.13 ERA.
The 'Dads evened the score at one in the bottom of the third. Kole Enright led off the bottom of the inning with his seventh double of the season and advanced to third on a bunt single by Frainyer Chavez. A wild pitch allowed Enright to score and tie the game.
Rodriguez finished the evening with six innings pitched and one run allowed. He struck out seven, walked none and gave up four hits. Rodriguez has allowed two or fewer runs in 11 of his 13 starts this season.
The game remained tied at one until the top of the eighth when the Fireflies brought in four runs to take a 5-3 lead.
The Crawdads answered with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning. Chavez and Matt Whatley drew back-to-back walks to put two runners on. Jax Biggers advanced both on a ground out. Tyreque Reed brought Chavez and Whatley in as he beat out an infield single.
The homestand continues tomorrow with another post-game fireworks show presented by Jani-King and WHKY 1290AM and 102.3FM. It is also '80s night and the evening will be packed with themes from the era. Fans who dress up can get discounted $6 tickets.