Cabrera Extends Runs Streak to Six in 8-7 Loss

Top Storylines

• Darwin Rodriguez spins five or more innings for an eighth-consecutive start.

• After the homer, Roni Cabrera has now scored in six-consecutive games for the Fireflies. Outfielder is 8-20 with two homers on the run

• Fireflies bullpen continues to struggle. Gives up five runs in 3.1 innings Friday night.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Roni Cabrera used a three-run homer to give the Fireflies a 5-1 lead in the top of the fifth inning to score a run in his sixth consecutive game Friday night in a 8-7 loss to the Augusta GreenJackets at SRP Park. Cabrera now owns Columbia’s two longest runs scored streaks this season, as he scored in seven-consecutive games from June 6-16.

The GreenJackets scored seven of the last eight runs in the game though, as they piled on five runs on 3.1 innings of relief from the Fireflies staff. With two outs and runners at second and third, Junior Garcia reached on a fielding error on a fly ball to Sean Gamble that allowed Augusta to win in walk-off fashion. The Fireflies pitching staff has allowed 39 runs across their first 33.2 innings of the series against Augusta.

Despite the bullpen faltering, Darwin Rodriguez continued to be consistent for Columbia. The southpaw worked 5.1 innings and allowed just two earned runs in his start. It was the eighth-consecutive game that Rodriguez has gone five or more innings for Columbia since June 17.

Play-by-Play

The GreenJackets tied the game in the bottom of the seventh. After Manuel Colon (BS, 1) walked Cody Miller to start the frame, Conor Essenburg tripled to right to make it a one-run game. Later, Juan Mateo singled to plate Colon to tie the game 6-6.

Columbia got one run back in the top of the eighth. With two outs, Sean Gamble lined a single through to score Ricson Gonzalez from second to again stand in front 7-6. Augusta didn’t go away though. Two walks around a single with one out set the table with the bases loaded for Essenburg, who hit a sacrifice fly off Andy Basora (BS, 5; L, 4-4) to tie the game 7-7.

Then in the ninth inning, Basora allowed a lead-off single to Juan Mateo then walked Austin Machado. After a pair of strikeouts, Basora threw a wild pitch to move runners to second and third before Junior Garcia flew a ball to center. Sean Gamble couldn’t come up with the catch and the fielding error scored Mateo to give the GreenJackets a walk-off 8-7 win.

Columbia added four runs in the top of the fifth inning thanks to a Roni Cabrera three-run homer and then a Connor Rasmussen solo shot to take a 6-1 lead before Augusta started their rally.

Darwin Rodriguez finished the night with 5.1 innings and three runs, two earned while striking out five GreenJackets. He left the game with a 6-2 lead and Manuel Colon allowed two more to score prior to the end of the inning as Augusta scored three to get back within striking distance.

The Fireflies were able to score first for the first time this series. Yandel Ricardo started the rally in the top of the first with a lead-off bunt single. Later, Sean Gamble clubbed a double to center to plate Ricardo and break the scoreless tie.

Columbia added to their lead in the top of the second. Angel Ramirez and Ricson Gonzalez hit back-to-back singles to start the frame before Ivan Sosa doubled to plate Ramirez to make it 2-0 Columbia.

On-Deck

Columbia continues their series with the Augusta GreenJackets tomorrow night at SRP Park at 6:05 pm. RHP Shane Van Dam (3-6, 4.81 ERA) toes the rubber for Columbia and Augusta counters with RHP Derek Vartanian (3-5, 3.89 ERA).

The Fireflies return home for a series with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Tuesday, August 4 until Sunday, August 9. Head to Segra Park for Bluey at the Ballpark presented by Cassell Brothers Home Services with a live appearance from Bluey and Bingo Saturday, August 8 and Darlington Raceway NASCAR Night featuring $1.50 Budweisers and $1.50 hot dogs during the game. Buy tickets starting at just $6 at FirefliesTickets.com.