FLORENCE - Columbia rolled out a new head coach Friday night, but it was an all-too-familiar result as the Blowfish fell to the Florence Red Wolves 3-2 at Legion Field in Florence.
Lee Gronkiewicz made his debut with Columbia (1-2, 10-21) after being named the replacement for former skipper Tim Medlin earlier in the day. Friday's game was the first time the former University of South Carolina pitcher coached a game at any level. However, the Red Wolves (2-1, 17-14) continued their dominance of Columbia batters, shutting the Blowfish out after the second inning.
Columbia struck in the first inning after Matt Williams led off the game with a walk, stole second, then came around to score on Matt Leeds's RBI single to make it 1-0 Blowfish.
The lead became two in a second inning that was eerily similar to the first. Tyler McBride walked to start the inning, then stole second. Branfry Arias followed with a single to left to score McBride. Baserunner Nick Chinners was picked off second on the play, but the run had already come across to make it 2-0 Columbia.
Florence answered in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game. Steven Neff and Brad Raj led off with singles and David Masters brought them around on a drive to left that evened it up 2-2.
The Red Wolves took the lead in the third after Neff hit his second single of the game to score Tyler Burnett and give Florence a 3-2 lead.
Columbia starter Justin Hopper (4-2) had a strong outing, giving up three runs on six hits in six innings, but suffered the loss. Florence's Ali Williams (1-0) outpitched Hopper, giving up two runs on just four hits in eight innings to earn the win. He also struck out nine Blowfish hitters in his first start.
Notes: The game lasted exactly two hours... It was the third consecutive quality start (3 runs or fewer in 6 innings pitched) the Blowfish, but the starters did not record a win in any of those games... Columbia's last four games have been decided by two runs or fewer... Columbia will play an exhibition match against the University of South Caroliona alumni team Friday night at Capital City Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Fireworks will follow the game.
