The young 2024 season is underway, and after playing 21 games in the month of April, the Columbia Fireflies finish 12-9 in first place in the Carolina League South. Here’s a look at their standout performers from April.
Pitcher of the Month: Felix Arronde
Arronde is 2-1 (1) on the year with a 3.00 ERA. Of his 4 appearances 3 have been starts, with one relief apperance resulting in a save. The 21-year-old righty from Santa Clara, Cuba has 16Ks in 15 innings pitched. His best performance thus far was April 19th at Charleston where he allowed one hit, gave up one walk and punched out 4 over 5 innings to earn his second win on the early season. Noteworthy: Ethan Bosacker: 1-1 1.37 ERA in 19.2 IP, 20K
Hunter Patteson: 1-1 ERA 1.62 SV(1) over16.2 IP, 20 K.
Hitter of the Month: Blake Mitchell
Mitchell started slow, but quickly found his swing and ended the month of April slashing .244/.417/.449/.866 in 78 plate appearances. Of his 19 hits for the year, 3 have left ballpark, with five being doubles, and one triple while plating nine runners. His 35 strikeouts may catch your eye on the stat sheet, but so should the 22 base on ball. Mitchell has shown early what can be expected, and with continued work from Manager Azuaje and Coach Adut.
Noteworthy: Erick Peña: .240 .321 .453 .774, 4HR
Austin Charles: .262 .364 .385 .749, 3HR, 11SB
Columbia Hitter and Pitcher of the Month – April
