Preview: Columbia Fireflies at Hickory Crawdads

HICKORY, N.C. (Interstat) — The Hickory Crawdads will look to secure a series victory when they host the Columbia Fireflies in the third game of their season-opening set Saturday at L.P. Frans Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 77 degrees.

The Crawdads (1-0) edged the Fireflies (0-1) 5-4 on Thursday before falling 3-1 on Friday, splitting the early series. Hickory’s bullpen shined in the opener, with Evan Siary striking out eight over four innings of relief for the win. He is a player to watch for the Crawdads.

Columbia will counter with right-hander Hiro Wyatt as its probable starter. A player to watch for the Fireflies is Jose Gutierrez, who delivered 3 1/3 strong innings of relief, allowing one earned run, in Thursday’s loss.

Hickory is slated to start right-hander AJ Russell. The Crawdads’ bullpen, featuring Siary, J.D. McReynolds and Geury Rodriguez, combined for seven scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts in the opener.

The Fireflies’ offense was sparked Thursday by first baseman JC Vanek, who hit a solo home run.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-3 victory for the Crawdads.

Following Saturday’s contest, Columbia returns home to begin a six-game series with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Tuesday. Hickory hits the road for a six-game series against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, also starting Tuesday.

Probable Starters: COL: RHP Hiro Wyatt (2026 record unavailable) HIC: RHP AJ Russell (2026 record unavailable)