Hickory Wins Blowout
Columbus got the scoring going in the 1st when Reid Fronk's groundout scored Maiko Loyola, who had doubled to lead-off the game. This would be the only lead the Catfish would have as the Crawdads then piled up 12 straight runs highlighted by Miles Durham's 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in and Austin McClune's 3 runs batted in. Columbus would finish the scoring with a home run by Ian Paxton in the top of the 9th, his first of the season.
Columbus was led offensively by Maiko Loyola, who was 2-4 with 2 doubles, and Reid Fronk, who was 2-4 with a run batted in. Ian Paxton came in for Mike McCormick as a defensive substitution and took advantage of his only at-bat, hitting a solo home run in the top of the 9th. Glenn Gibson took his 7th loss of the season.
Hickory pounded out 10 extra base hits and 16 hits total. The main culprit was Miles Durham, who went 3-4 with 3 runs, a double, 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in. Tom Hagan went 3-3 with 3 runs, 2 doubles, 2 runs batted in and 2 walks in front of Durham to make sure he hit with runners on. Austin McClune was 2-3 with 3 runs, a double, a triple and 3 runs batted. Brad Lincoln won his 2nd game of the year in as many starts and allowed only 1 run in 5 innings.
Columbus now travels to 2nd place Asheville for the beginning of a 4-game set. The pitching match-up is slated to be RHP Jesse Darcy against RHP Bruce Billings. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The Catfish are the Class A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.