Blowfish fall 5-1 to Redwolves

Columbia, S.C. - The Florence Redwolves used clutch hitting and aggressive base running to propel them to a 5-1 victory over the Columbia Blowfish. The game took place at Capital City Stadium Saturday night in front of the second largest crowd in the Coastal Plain League this season. The 'Wolves victory dropped the Blowfish record to 4-11 but didn't spoil the spirits of the 3,247 in attendance, including the 2,500 soldiers from the United States Army, stationed at Fort Jackson. Florence stays in first place in the Coastal Plain League, moving to 11-3.

The fans in attendance saw a familiar game from Thursday night, but much to their disappointment it was a similar ending. The game was scoreless through four complete innings until Florence put a two on the board in their half of the fifth. The clutch hitting came on consecutive hits from the bottom and top of the Redwolves lineup. Keon Graves (Francis Marion) singled with one out and stole second base. After a strikeout, Bruce Cameron (Ozarks) singled off Columbia starter Keegan Linza (South Carolina) to bring home the first run of the game. Cameron then stole second, and was brought home with a single by lead-off hitter Jamie Walczak (Mercyhurst) for a 2-0 lead.

Columbia cut the lead in half in the sixth. Tyler Bortnick (Coastal Carolina), in his first game this season, made his presence felt with a lead-off double down the third base line. Bortnick advanced to third on a wild pitch and then scored on the same play by an error.

The Redwolves put it out of reach in the seventh with three runs, highlighted by another RBI from Walczak. Florence will improve their league leading 2.29 earned run average, as their pitchers combined to hold Columbia to one run and seven hits. The Blowfish offense has stalled this week at home, averaging one run per game.

Linza (1-2) pitched five complete innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs. The Salisbury, N.C. native had a Blowfish season high with eight strikeouts. Kent Altman (Coastal Carolina) made his debut for Florence and added another great arm to their rotation. Altman (1-0) went six innings with seven strikeouts.

Columbia will have Father's day off tomorrow before starting a streak of 13 straight games. The stretch begins Monday night at Wilson for a 7:00pm first pitch. The streak will feature an exhibition against Team USA on Sunday June 22 at 6:05pm. Florence also has tomorrow off and will travel to Fayetteville on Monday night.

Very Special Game Note: Tonight at Capital City Stadium, both teams, the fans, and staff members celebrated the 233rd birthday of the United States Army. In attendance were over 2,500 soldiers from Fort Jackson in Columbia. The fans saw a well played game but more importantly had a front row seat to the pride, camaraderie, and honor of the men and women in the fatigues. Continuous cheers, chants and the Army creed were welcomed with applause and chills. Fireworks followed the game to top off one of the best nights in Columbia Blowfish history.

The Columbia Blowfish are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 12th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL is certified by Major League Baseball and gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at www.coastalplain.com.



For more information and tickets visit www.blowfishbaseball.com or call 803-254-FISH

-Ryan Brown