FLORENCE- Tyler Christman recorded his third consecutive quality start, but got no run support as the Columbia Blowfish fell the to the Florence Red Wolves 2-1 at Legion Field in Florence.
Christman (0-2) allowed only two runs, one earned, on five hits in seven innings, but two costly balks caused him to earn the loss. Christman has a 1.40 ERA in three starts, but has only received five runs of support in 19 innings. Stepehen McCray (3-1) gave up only one run in seven innings to get the win. Ali Williams picked up the save in his first appearance for Florence (12-9).
Richard Mounce hit his first home run of the season in the fourth inning with a deep shot to left field as the Blowfish (6-13) took a 1-0 lead.
The Red Wolves answered in the sixth after Drew Haynes singled, then later scored on a Tyler Burnett fielder's choice to tie the game 1-1.
With two outs in the seventh, things came unraveled for Christman. A balk call resulted in base runners on second and third. Florence's Drew Haynes then walked to load the bases. Christman was next called for a second balk that allowed Herman Petzold to trot home with the go-ahead run, as Florence took a 2-1 lead.
The Blowfish had their chances. Columbia loaded the bases with no outs in the third inning, but Sean Sullivan lined into a double play as Red Wolves' first baseman Steven Neff made the catch and tagged first base to retire Jim Rider. Jason Coker then lined out to third base to end the inning. In the sixth, Columbia loaded the bases again, but Branfry Arias struck out with the bases loaded to end the threat.
Notes: Jim Rider doubled in the ninth inning to extend his hitting streak to eight games...The Blowfish were 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position...Florence leads the overall series 4-1... The Blowfish return home Saturday to take on Asheboro at 7:05 p.m.
