COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — The Columbia Fireflies and Hickory Crawdads will look to break a deadlock Friday when they continue their season-opening series at L.P. Frans Stadium.

The teams played to a 2-2 tie in Thursday’s opener. Both clubs enter the 7:05 p.m. matchup with 0-0 records.

Columbia will send right-hander Blake Wolters (0-0) to the mound. Hickory is expected to counter with right-hander Jesus Lafalaise (0-0). Game-time weather is forecast to be clear and 78 degrees.

The Fireflies aim to build momentum before a seven-game homestand against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans beginning Tuesday. The Crawdads will hit the road for a six-game series at Kannapolis starting Tuesday after this weekend set concludes.

Friday’s contest is a quick turnaround from last season’s results for both squads. Columbia ended its 2025 campaign with an 8-2 loss to Lynchburg on Sept. 17. Hickory concluded its season with a 12-8 defeat to Charleston on Sept. 7.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a narrow 1-0 victory for the Fireflies in Friday’s pitching duel.

The series continues Saturday in Hickory before both teams embark on their first extended stretches of the 2026 season.