The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (23-29) avoided a shutout on a late home run, but only managed two total hits on the night, in a 3-1 loss to the Columbia Fireflies (24-28) in Tuesday night’s series opener at Segra Stadium. It was the first game of a busy month in Fayetteville, with the Woodpeckers scheduled to play 18 games at home in June.
Royals top pitching prospect Kendry Chourio (W, 2-0) silenced Fayetteville over 5.1 innings, allowing just one hit on an infield single by Hector Salas in the fifth inning that ended an early no-hit bid.
Columbia scored twice against debuting starter Juan Fraide (L, 0-1) in the top of the fourth on an RBI fielder’s choice and a double steal with runners at the corners. Fraide, a 20-year-old from Mexico who was promoted from the FCL on Monday, struck out seven in his debut and worked 4.1 total innings in the loss.
Anthony Huezo put an end to the shutout when trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the ninth, connecting for a solo homer against Jhon Reyes (SV, 2) over the right-field wall. It marked Huezo’s team-high eighth homer of the season and his 11th RBI in the last 11 games played.
Reyes followed with a walk to Xavier Neyens but managed to close the game on a fielder’s choice roller and strikeout of Juan Sierra.
The Woodpeckers will be back on the diamond Wednesday morning with a Splash Day game scheduled for 11:05 AM. Fayetteville is projected to start RHP Nick Potter and Columbia will counter with RHP Shane Van Dam.
Full Box Score: https://www.milb.com/gameday/827262/final/wrap