Jordan Humpheys had already pitched a gem against the Charleston RiverDogs just a week ago, helping the Columbia Fireflies to sweep a double-header from the RiverDogs on June 10. Friday night, the right-hander took the hill in Charleston and allowed just 4-hits in 6-innings of work for his 10th win of the season, as the Fireflies won 4-1. Brandon Brosher was the difference maker on the offense, hitting his fifth homer of the season, a three-run shot in the fourth, and Adonis Uceta earned his sixth save of the season to preserve the victory.

Nick Nelson started for Charleston, and his team would stake him to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Brandon Wagner started the inning with a double and moved to third on a ground out. Ben Ruta followed by lining a single into center that scored Wagner and it was 1-0.

The lead did not last long as Columbia plated a run in the top of the third. Back-to-back singles by Brosher and Tim Tebow began the inning and Milton Ramos brought Brosher home when he delivered the third straight hit against Nelson. This inning looked like it could get out of control quickly, especially after the Charleston pitcher loaded the bases on a walk, but he got Luis Carpio to line out before inducing a double-play to end the threat and keep the score tied.

In the top of the fourth, the Columbia Fireflies would grab the lead. Nelson retired the first hitter of the inning, but Jay Jabs singled before Jose Miguel Medina was hit by a pitch. That brought Brosher to the plate, who drilled his fifth home run of the season deep over the right field fence to make it 4-1.

From there, neither team was able to generate much offense. Jordan Humphrers (10-1) would pitch through the sixth, allowing 4-hits, a run and a walk. He fanned three. Taylor Henry came on in the seventh and tossed a scoreless frame.

In the eighth, Cameron Griffin came into pitch for Columbia and it looked like Charleston may tie the score. Mandy Alvarez and Eduardo Navas led off the inning with back-to-back singles before Hoy Jun Park popped out. Angel Aguilar grounded to short but was safe on an error by the shortstop and the bases were loaded with just one out. That brought a call to the Columbia bullpen once again, as Adonis Uceta came on. He struck out Blake Rutherford and Isiah Gilliam to end the threat, then closed out the ninth as the Fireflies won 4-1.

Brandon Brosher was responsible for all four runs, scoring twice and driving in three others. He also had 2-hits. Milton Ramos was 3-3 with the team’s other RBI. Ben Ruta and Mandy Alvarez each had 2-hits for Charleston.

These two teams will battle again tomorrow evening. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05.

Boxscore

By Robert Pannier