‘Pitching has carried’ Fireflies in early going of 2019 season

Columbia Fireflies manager Pedro Lopez knew having a young team would be a challenge, especially early in the South Atlantic League season.

But even with the youth, Lopez has seen some bright spots as the Fireflies went 3-3 on the week-long opening homestand.

“We have such a young team, some days are definitely better than others,” Lopez said after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Rome. “They’re still learning to adjust to some things, but you see they’re getting a lot better already. Overall, I’ve been happy with their performances.”

Shortstop Ronny Mauricio, the third-ranked prospect in the Mets farm system, is one of those youngsters. He turned 18 on Opening Day but hasn’t disappointed in the early going. He’s hitting .333 with all eight of hits being singles.

Third baseman Mark Vientos, who is 19 and the fourth-ranked prospect, has started slowly. He’s hitting .167. Both Mauricio and Vientos have played in all six game. Catcher Hayden Senger is a mainstay in the middle of the lineup and his hitting .273 so far.

“Mauricio has done a good job of getting on base,” Lopez said. “Senger has been good for us hitting in the No. 4 spot. I think you will see the hitting improve as the season goes on.”

Pitching and more pitching

Two of the Mets’ bright young arms have also opened the season in Columbia. Simeon Woods-Richardson, an 18-year-old who was a second-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft from Houston, is the No. 8 prospect in the Mets system.

He started on opening night and started by striking out the side in the first inning. He ended up taking the loss in that game. He is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA in two starts.

Thomas Szapucki, who missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery but is the No. 10 prospect, only pitched an inning in his only outing.

The highlight of the staff has been reliever Willy Taveras. He’s made two appearances and is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 9 strikeouts, two walks and five hits allowed in 9.1 innings. He has a 0.75 WHIP. Relievers Dedniel Nunez and Bryce Hutcherson have the other two wins with closer Ezequiel Zabaleta earning two saves.

“Our pitching has carried us so far,” Lopez said. “I’ve been very pleased with what we’ve been able to do on the mound. They’ve kept us in every ball game and given us a chance to win.”

Up Next

The Fireflies opened a seven-game road trip on Thursday. They will play a four-game set in Lexington before visiting Rome early next week.

Columbia returns home next Thursday, April 18, for a short three-game homestand against Hickory. That will be Thirsty Thursday along with Copa de la Diversion, a celebration of the Hispanic/Latina communities. The Fireflies will wear special jerseys with name Chicharrones on the front.

“We’re looking forward to our first road trip and getting out with the guys in a different environment,” Lopez said. “But we always look forward to returning home and will be happy to be back next Thursday.”

This story was originally published April 11, 2019 at 12:51 PM.