Hickory Crawdads Drop Fourth Straight, Fall 5-4 to Columbia Fireflies

The Hickory Crawdads scored 4 runs for the first time in four games but couldn’t hold on, falling 5-4 to the Columbia Fireflies (Kansas City Royals affiliate) after a heartbreaking 9th-inning collapse. Reliever William Privette (L, 1-1) (BS, 1) entered in the bottom of the 9th to protect a lead but allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, marking Hickory’s fourth consecutive loss.

Fifth Inning Surge Fuels Offense

In the top of the 5th, the Crawdads erupted for a crooked number. Erick Alvarez ignited the rally with an RBI single, followed by back-to-back RBI triples from Maxton Martin and Ben Hartl, giving Hickory a temporary lead. Ben Hartl led the way, going 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI, while Chandler Pollard contributed a 2-for-4 performance with an RBI and his 13th stolen base of the season.

Scarborough’s Solid Start

Starting pitcher Caden Scarborough delivered 3.2 innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 runs, and racking up 6 strikeouts, though he was credited with 2 wild pitches. His effort kept the game competitive, but the bullpen’s late struggles proved costly.

Game 4

The Hickory Crawdads aim to snap their four-game skid in Game 4 of this 6-game series against the Columbia Fireflies. Mason Molina takes the mound tomorrow night at 6:05 PM.