Just Short: Power drop opener in extras

(Columbia, SC - May 18, 2017)-  The West Virginia Power battled back but ultimately faltered in extra innings to the Columbia Fireflies 3-2. The Power took the lead with a pair of runs in the eighth but Columbia tied it in the ninth, and won it in the tenth.

The Power sent Luis Escobar to the mound who pitched strong. The Fireflies took the lead with a sacrifice fly to score Andres Gimenez in the first inning. Columbia would only garner two hits against Escobar through five innings after scoring that run.
West Virginia responded in the top of the eighth. Joseph Zanghi relieved for a nearly untouchable Merandy Gonzalez, who went seven shutout innings. Zanghi issued a leadoff walk to Adrian Valerio who was then sacrificed to second from Stephen Alemais. Hunter Owen singled home the game-tying run. Albert Baur would bring in the go-ahead tally with a single of his own. The Power struck for two runs on two hits in the eighth.
Jordan Jess and West Virginia surrendered the lead in the ninth. Michael Paez came around after a play at second saw the shortstop Alemais injured. Alemais hurt his wrist tagging out Dash Winningham, which allowed the tying to come home from third.
In the bottom of the tenth with the bases loaded, Matt Eckelman came in to relieve Jess. Eckelman's first pitch skipped to the backstop, allowing Desmond Lindsay to come home. The Fireflies were victorious 3-2. Jess (0-2) was dealt the loss while Adonis Uceta (2-0) grabbed the win after pitching the tenth.
West Virginia sends Cam Vieaux (1-0) to the hill for game two. He will be opposed by Blake Taylor (0-4). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M. Catch the call on the Power Baseball Network.