Catfish blast Hickory 10-4

The Columbus Catfish ended a three-game skid Thursday night, beating the Hickory Crawdads (Pirates) for only the 3rd time in 10 games this season.

The Catfish had jumped out to an early lead, only to have Hickory tie the game, before breaking the game open in the 7th inning, en route to a 10-4 win.

Hickory reliever Michael Felix allowed three singles, two walks and a sacrifice fly before leaving the game with the bases loaded. Jorge Charry entered in Felix' place and surrendered a two-out, bases-clearing double to Columbus' Mike McCormick that created too big of a chasm for Hickory to overcome.

Earlier, the Crawdads (5-10, 35-50) had battled back from two separate deficits, erasing a 3-0 Catfish lead and a 4-3 Columbus advantage with timely hitting.

Alex Cobb, who pitched well enough to win his last previous 8 contests finally got a win, his first since May 12, improving to 7-4 this season.

CF Maiko Loyola and C Mike McCormick each were 4-for-5 at the plate for the Catfish.

The series with Hickory continues Friday night.