COLUMBIA, S.C. — A seven-run sixth inning led by a three-run home run from rookie Gavin Cross vaulted the Columbia Fireflies to a 12-1 win over Kannapolis Wednesday night at Segra Park.
The ninth overall pick in last month's MLB Draft, Cross had two home runs on the evening. Playing in his second game at Segra Park, Cross hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first before his three-run HR in the sixth. Cross finished the night 3-5 with two homers and four RBI.
Daniel Vazquez recorded three two-out RBI, rookie Cayden Wallace, a second-round pick by Kansas City last month, reached base safely four times for the second time in his Fireflies career and Guillermo Quintana recorded two hits and two RBI.
Frank Mozzicato got the start on the mound and responded with four hitless innings, while recording six strikeouts and allowing one run.
Jack Aldrich (3-0) came out of the bullpen and threw two scoreless to pick up the win. Marlin Willis struck out seven in two innings of work including a four-strikeout frame. Shane Connolly struck out a pair in the ninth inning without allowing a hit. The Fireflies bullpen has allowed only two runs in their last 27.2 innings dating back to Thursday (0.65 ERA).
Columbia will continue its series with the Cannon Ballers Thursday night at 7:05 pm at Segra Park. RHP Ben Kudrna (2-4, 2.86 ERA) gets the nod for Columbia while Kannapolis counters with RHP Noah Owen (5-9, 5.42 ERA).
