Gamache Garners Three Hits In Loss

COLUMBIA, SC - Reed Gamache documented his third three-hit game of his career despite the loss to Hickory in the series finale. The Crawdads defeated the Fireflies 7-4 on Sunday evening at Spirit Communications Park.
Columbia trailed Hickory 3-0 heading into the top of the third when rain moved into the area and halted the contest. After a one hour and 26-minute delay, the two teams resumed action around 7:15 p.m.
Both starting pitchers remained in the game after the long stoppage of play. Justin Brantley (L, 1-1) finished with six innings for the Fireflies and allowed five runs. His counterpart, Walker Weickel, lasted 4.2 frames and absorbed just two runs.
The Fireflies were behind 5-0 early, but found some offense in the third inning. Gamache was hit by pitch to lead off the frame and then Colby Woodmansee doubled down the left-field line. The next batter, Andrés Giménez , reached safely on a bunt single and the bases were loaded. Luis Carpio's sacrifice fly plated the first run for the home team and the deficit was four runs.
Columbia's attempt to rally in the bottom of the ninth came up short. Trailing 7-3 to Hickory, Gimenez walked and Carpio singled to start the stanza. Jacob Zanon doubled into left field and scored Gimenez. The Fireflies were down 7-4 at this point. Following Ian Strom's fly out, Natanael Ramos reached base on a catcher's interference call. The bases were loaded and Jay Jabs represented the potential winning run at the plate. However, the Crawdads escaped and turned in a double play to end the game.
Zanon finished this contest with three stolen bases. This was the second time this year the 22-year-old produced three steals in one game.
The Fireflies have the day off on Monday and then begin a three-game series with the Augusta GreenJackets (San Francisco Giants) on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Lake Olmstead Stadium.
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.