The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (24-30) and the Columbia Fireflies (25-29) played game three on Thursday night from Segra Stadium. Kellan Oakes was on the mound for Fayetteville against Jose Gutierrez of Columbia.
Before the game, the Houston Astros promoted RHP Jackson Wells to the High Single-A Asheville Tourists. Wells was 1-1, with a 7.71 ERA, and 27 strikeouts in 11 games for the Woodpeckers in 2026.
At the top of the third inning, Columbia left fielder Henry Ramos hit a triple to center field with two outs, followed by Oakes hitting Sean Gamble. The Fireflies tried a double steal, but Ramos was caught sliding back to third base for the final out of the inning.
In the bottom of the third inning, Fayetteville catcher Yosweld Vasquez and first baseman Carlos Cauro hit back-to-back singles. With two outs, center fielder Kevin Alvarez hit an RBI single to center field, scoring Vasquez to give the Woodpeckers a 1-0 lead. A lineout by Waner Luciano ended the inning.
Moving to the top of the sixth inning, Fayetteville starter Kellan Oakes put two runners on base with two outs before he was replaced by Jose Serrano. Serrano walked Yandel Ricardo, which loaded the bases. Columbia designated hitter Jhosmmel Zue hit an RBI single to right field, scoring Sean Gamble to give the Fireflies a 2-1 lead.
Roni Cabrera followed up by hitting an RBI single to left field, scoring Yandel Ricardo for a 3-1 lead. A groundout by J.C. Vanek ended the inning. Kellan Oakes went 5.2 innings, allowing five hits, two runs, one walk, and five strikeouts, throwing 73 pitches, of which 50 were strikes.
Moving to the bottom of the seventh inning, Fayetteville had runners on second and third base with two outs when Anthony Huezo hit an RBI double to right field, scoring Hector Salas. Carlos Cauro tried to score but was he was called out, and the inning was over. The Woodpeckers trailed the Fireflies 3-2.
Jose Serrano went 2.1 innings, allowing two hits, one run, two walks, and one strikeout, throwing 48 pitches, of which 30 were strikes. Leomar Rosario pitched for Fayetteville at the top of the ninth inning. Rosario allowed two hits and struck out one, throwing 11 pitches, of which seven were strikes.
Fayetteville would come up short as they lost to Columbia 3-2. Fayetteville finished the night with six hits, went 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position, and left six men on base. The loss went to Fayetteville starter Kellen Oakes (4-2), while the win went to Columbia starter Jose Gutierrez (2-2), and Henson Leal earned his third save of the season.
The Woodpeckers and Fireflies play game four on Friday at 7:05 pm on the MLB App. Javier Perez (3-3, 3.23 ERA) will be on the mound for Fayetteville, while Columbia has yet to name a starter.
