Augusta Drops 16 Runs in Another Lopsided Victory
Published on June 9, 2022 under Carolina League (CarL)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
COLUMBIA, SC: It was another great day at the office for the Augusta GreenJackets (29-25) who dominated their I-20 Rivals for the second-straight game as they soundly defeated the Columbia Fireflies (15-39)16-3 on Thursday night.
The GreenJackets once again got things going by scoring in the first inning on a throwing error by Joshua Rivera that plated home Geraldo Quintero to make it 1-0 Augusta after one.
In the third, the Fireflies evened things up on an RBI single by Daniel Vazquez, tying the game at one apiece.
The night was history after that as the GreenJackets exploded for nine runs in the fourth inning on seven hits to blow the game open. The scoring began with an RBI single by Brian Klein to make it 2-1 GreenJackets. Next, Cal Conley singled into centerfield to plate home two more runs as Connor Blair and Klein came around to score to up the advantage to 4-1. A balk and a wild pitch brought in two more runs to make it 6-1. Brandol Mezquita took matters into his own hands by scoring Geraldo Quintero on a single to left, extending the lead to 7-1. Next in line was Mahki Backstrom who singled in Mezquita and Stephen Paolini to push the advantage to 9-1. To finish the inning, Caleb Durbin added to his team-best RBI count by picking up his 32nd with a single to score Rusber Estrada, capping off the nine-run frame, making it 10-1 Augusta after four innings.
Backstrom produced another run an inning later with an RBI double to bring home Geraldo Quintero for the second time in as many innings to make it 11-1.
Augusta put one more crooked number on the scoreboard in the eighth by scoring five more runs on a bases-loaded walk to Cal Conley, a throwing error off the bat of Geraldo Quintero, and a bases-clearing double by Brandol Mezquita to take the GreenJackets lead to 16-1.
Columbia scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth but it wasn't nearly enough as the GreenJackets ran over the rival Fireflies in their ballpark once more by topping them 16-3.
16 runs were plenty of support for AJ Smith-Shawver who earned the first professional win of his career by tossing five innings, allowing just one run on two hits with seven strikeouts as he defeated his counterpart Ben Kudrna who took the loss for Columbia.
Brandol Mezquita finished with the most productive night at the plate by coming through with four hits and four RBIs, both career-highs. Cal Conley drove in three runs in the game as the Augusta shortstop now has eight RBIs in the first three games of the series. Mahki Backstrom produced three runs with a single and a double while Geraldo Quintero made his way around the bases four times in the game as he led the team in runs scored.
J.J. Niekro toes the slab for the GreenJackets on Friday as he tries to lead the team to a third straight win in Columbia. He'll duel against Frank Mozzicato of the Fireflies with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm.
The sixth homestand of the year for the GreenJackets at SRP Park begins on Tuesday, June 14 as Augusta plays host to the Charleston RiverDogs (Tampa Bay Rays). The week begins with $2 TWOSday and a SweetWater Collectors Cup Night where fans can enjoy SweetWater Drafts with the Collectors Cup for $6! Enjoy a Wednesday matinee with a 12:05 pm first pitch for a Business Person's special/Camp Day at the ballpark! It's a special Thirsty Thursday at SRP Park with Zachh Pickens coming to SRP Park for College Night where fans can meet the defensive tackle on the University of South Carolina football team! Friday is another Braves BuzzFest along with Faith and Family Night. Enjoy live music from Tom Reed on Saturday from 4:30-5:30 as part of the White Claw Pregame Concert Series before Pimento Cheese Night as the GreenJackets will wear specialty Augusta Pimento Cheese Jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game! The week concludes with father's day at the ballpark along with a Bucket Hat giveaway sponsored by Cintas for the first 1,00 fans!
Carolina League Stories from June 9, 2022
- FredNats and Hillcats Split Thursday Doubleheader - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Mudcats Sweep Pelicans in Thursday's Doubleheader - Carolina Mudcats
- Hot Start Hands RiverDogs Fourth Straight Victory - Charleston RiverDogs
- Birds Fall Flat in Thursday's Doubleheader - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Late Flurry of Runs Swamps 'Birds in Loss to 'Peckers - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Augusta Drops 16 Runs in Another Lopsided Victory - Augusta GreenJackets
- Fireflies Stung by GreenJackets 16-3 - Columbia Fireflies
- RiverDogs' Annual Larry Doby Weekend Begins Saturday at the Joe - Charleston RiverDogs
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes June 9 vs Augusta - Columbia Fireflies
- Kannapolis Outlasted in Pitcher's Duel 2-1 Loss to Down East Wednesday - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
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