By WRBL Staff
Crawdads Media Relations
Hickory, NC - Hickory saved its best for last in its series opener against the Columbus Catfish, using an eighth-inning comeback to win, 3-2.Crawdads Media Relations
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Stumble It!After a Quinn Stewart sacrifice fly drove in the first run for the Catfish in the first inning and Chase Fontaine's first home run of the year ran Columbus' margin to 2-0 in the eighth, Hickory scored three runs in the eighth to roar to a comeback.
Andrew Walker started the charge with a solo home run to lead off the frame, getting the 'Dads within a run. Then a slew of Columbus miscues helped Hickory complete its triumph.
In the remainder of the inning, the Catfish committed two errors, saw a passed ball, threw a wild pitch, hit a batter and walked a batter, culminating in Albert Laboy's go-ahead sacrifice fly to drive in Danny Bomback and give the 'Dads their 3-2 lead.
In the top of the ninth, Wanell Macia allowed one hit and struck out the final two batters of the game swinging to slam the door and earn Hickory the win.
It marked just the third time this season, and second time on the homestand, that Hickory won a game after trailing past the 7th inning.
Crawdads pitchers stood out all night, a primary reason for the final result. Matt McSwain lasted four innings and allowed the one run in his first start of the season. Charles Benoit threw two scoreless innings of middle relief. Harrison Bishop allowed one run in two innings but earned the win, improving to 5-2. Then Macia earned his second save of the season in throwing the dominant ninth.
Taking the loss for Columbus was closer Austin hinkle who allowed the go-ahead run (unearned) in one inning of work, notching his second blown save of the season and dropping to 1-3 with the loss.
Hickory (5-9, 35-49) has now taken seven of the nine meetings between the teams this year. Columbus (9-4, 36-47), has lost three games in a row for the first time since June 1-3.
The teams meet for game two of their series Thursday night at 7. Hickory RHP Rafael De Los Santos (2-7, 5.15 ERA) is scheduled to take on Columbus RHP Alexander Cobb (6-4, 2.18).
