Last night’s game between the Rome Braves and Columbia Fireflies the fans saw a superb pitching performance by the Fireflies P.J. Conlon. The lefty went 6.2 innings giving up zero runs, only two hits and striking out seven. The fans at Spirit Communications Park showed their appreciation by giving Conlon a big hand when he left the mound.
The Braves Mike Soroka (1-4) and Fireflies Conlon (6-0) were hooked up in an old fashioned pitcher’s duel until the bottom of the sixth when Columbia scored three runs.
In the bottom of the 6th Jose Garcia started the inning off with a solid single to center field, Vicente Lupo followed with another single to left field. With runners on first and second, Vinny Siena moved the runners over with a sacrifice bunt. J.C. Rodriguez grounded out to first scoring Garcia giving the Fireflies a 1-0 lead. Third baseman David Thompson tripled off Soroka scoring Lupo making it 2-0 and then first baseman Dash Winningham followed it up with a double giving the Fireflies a 3-0 lead after six innings.
In the top of the 7th after a ground ball out Conlon seemed to lose his command, he walked Jonathan Morales but after striking out Juan Yepez Conlon gave up single to Lucas Herbert. After a visit to the mound by the Fireflies pitching coach Conlon walked Leudys Baez, loading the bases and ending the night for Conlon. The Fireflies called on Tyler Bashlor who promptly struck out Bradley Keller.
In the top of the eighth the Braves tried to rally again, with one out Bashlor walked Ray-Patrick Didder then Luke Dykstra (son of Lenny) singled to right. After a wild pitch moving runners to second and third, Austin Riley walked loading the bases making it a short night for Bashlor. Alex Palsha was called on to put out the fire and that he did as the inning ended on a sacrifice double play as the run at third (Didder) scored before Dykstra was thrown out at third making it a 3-1 game Columbia.
Palsha had no trouble in the top of the 9th as he struck out Yepez swinging, got Herbet to ground out, and struck out Baez swinging to pick up his 5th save. He has now struck out 30 batters in 19.1 innings with opponents hitting just .200 against him.
Conlon continues his brilliance during the early part of the season as he is now 6-0 with a 1.04 ERA. His ERA is second best in the South Atlantic League and he also became the second pitcher to six wins in the league.
Top offensive performers were Thompson who went 1 for 3 with his second triple of the season,and scored a run while knocking in his league leading 38th run. Winningham was 1 for 3 as well, hitting his 10th double and plating his 22nd run of the year.
Tomorrow’s game will be the final of the three game series and will have the Rome Braves (14-24) sending Patrick Weigel (1-3, 3.23) and the Columbia Fireflies (20-18) will have Thomas McIlraith (1-3, 4.86) on the mound. Game time is an early one starting, 11:05 at Spirit Communications Park.
Hey Al,
Thanks for taking the time to provide a recap.
It would be great if you could give a little more color on some things – like what was making Conlon effective – location, velocity, changing speeds or locations? Or is he just a 22 year old who needs to be moved out of low A ball to see what he really can do?
Same with Thompson’s triple – was it a drive to deep right center, or was it a blooper or just a ball that the outfielder misplayed into a triple. While the numbers tell part of the story, it would be great to understand how they are being achieved.
Thanks again!
I will pass this along to Al, thank you for the suggestions.
Thanks Michael.
What is your view on Ynoa. The fact that he does not generate enough swing and misses is a cause for concern, but the kid keeps producing, which you have to like.
Also, what is the scoop on Conlon?
I think Ynoa can be a backend starter, has thrown more two-seamers this year which has resulted in weaker contact.
Conlon has a great changeup, solid breaking ball but the fastball is 88-91. Movement is very good on the fastball though so basically he throws nothing straight.
Thanks for the info Michael.
Of course, sorry it took so long to get back to you.