Back-To-Back Jacks Help 'Jackets to Win
September 8, 2023 - Carolina League (CarL)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
Kinston, NC - The Augusta GreenJackets (Atlanta Braves) got back-to-back homers in the seventh inning to down the Down East Wood Ducks (Texas Rangers) on Friday. The Wood Ducks (29-35, 66-59) scored the game's first two runs, but the GreenJackets (30-34, 61-68) scored the final five, using a two-run fifth and three-run seventh to even the series at two games apiece and give Riley Gowens his first professional win.
The GreenJackets were led out by Garrett Baumann, Atlanta's 4th round selection in this last year's draft. Baumann, out of the same high school as former GreenJacket Vaughn Grissom, struck out the first batter he faced in affiliated baseball. A bunt single and two walks loaded the bases, before an RBI groundout from Devin Hurtle delivered the game's first run to the Woodies.
Baumann would make it through the second inning, only allowing the one bunt hit and the one run. Giomar Diaz entered in the third, and after a throwing error advanced Konnor Piotto to third base, a sacrifice fly from Ian Moller put the Wood Ducks up 2-0. Diaz's day ended after the one inning of work as he was charged with one unearned run, as Riley Gowens entered for Augusta and pitched a scoreless fourth.
The GreenJackets went scoreless for the first four innings against Down East's David Davalillo, before the bats awoke in the fifth. Will Verdung singled and Kade Kern reached on an error before Jeremy Celedonio roped a double down the left field line to bring Augusta to within one. Tyler Collins plated Kern with a sacrifice fly two batters later to even the score at 2-2.
Gowens worked out of a two-on, no-out jam in the sixth inning, setting Augusta up for a pivotal seventh frame. Kade Kern led off the inning by hooking his second homer of the season just inside the left-field foul pole, before Jeremy Celedonio launched his team-high 16th homer the very next at-bat. The homers marked the second time this season that Augusta went back-to-back. Dawson Dimon proceed to reach on a walk, before an RBI single from Drew Compton on a hit-and-run gave Augusta a 5-2 lead at the stretch.
Gowens finished off the seventh, ceding his place to Nolan Martinez, who picked up the six-out save for his third of the season. Gowens picked up his first professional victory, while Augusta evened up the series at two games apiece. Celedonio's homer was his 16th of the season, placing him one shy of Tim Elko for the Carolina League home run crown. The win also marked Augusta's 15th Friday win this year, far and away their winningest day of the week.
The GreenJackets close out the 2023 season with just two more games on the road against the Down East Wood Ducks (Texas Rangers). All games can be heard on the GreenJackets Radio Network at bit.ly/GJRadio. The GreenJackets are looking forward to 2024 opening day already! Go to GreenJacketsBaseball.com to check out season ticket packages, game dates, and more!
Carolina League Stories from September 8, 2023
- Late Miscues Bury RiverDogs in 5-4 Loss to Fayetteville - Charleston RiverDogs
- Werner's Career Night Propels Fireflies to 11-7 Win - Columbia Fireflies
- Hillcats Edged by Cannon Ballers, 1-0 - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Back-To-Back Jacks Help 'Jackets to Win - Augusta GreenJackets
- Whiting Placed on IL; Pena Activated from Development List - Carolina Mudcats
- Woodies Make it Two in a Row - Down East Wood Ducks
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes 9.8 at Myrtle Beach - Columbia Fireflies
- Mudcats Win Second Half Title with 5-1 Victory in Salem - Carolina Mudcats
- Ferreras Hits Go-Ahead Grand Slam in Eighth to Give Woodpeckers Thrilling Win - Fayetteville Woodpeckers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
