Combined Shutout Propels GreenJackets to First Series Win
June 9, 2024 - Carolina League (CarL)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: Cade Kuehler, Juan Sanchez, and LJ McDonough combined to allow just 5 hits and no runs as the GreenJackets drafted their first home shutout of the season in a 2-0 win to seal the series victory over Myrtle Beach.
On a lazy Sunday at SRP Park with the nearly-unbearable sun confining a majority of the fanbase to the shade of the concourse, both offenses struggled to wake up and get going in the series finale. The Pelicans were flushed with pregame changes, as projected starter Kenten Egbert was scratched early in the morning and center fielder Jacob Wetzel was removed from the lineup just before first pitch, adding further confusion to a sleepy start.
While the Pelicans were forced into a bullpen game due to Egbert's absence, the 'Jackets sent the always reliable Cade Kuehler to the mound. In need of a stellar performance, Kuehler delivered just that, tossing 5 innings without a run and allowing just two hits in his effort. Kuehler stranded men in scoring position twice, a theme for both teams as the two sides combined to leave 18 men on base over the ballgame.
While Augusta was unable to mount much offense against opener Luis Rujano or Sam Thoreson, the dam cracked just enough to put the Jackets on the board 5th inning against Mason McGwire. After 4 scoreless innings to start with just one hit for Augusta, McGwire lost his command in his second inning of work as a hit by pitch and two walks loaded the bases with two outs. McGwire got 2 early strikes on Will Verdung, but spiked a curveball into the dirt, skipping it to the backstop and allowing Harry Owen to sprint home for the first run of the game.
The GreenJackets doubled the lead in the 6th against Kenyi Perez, as Jeremy Celedonio led off the inning with a triple, the team's second and final hit of the day in which most of the team's offense came through walks. Celedonio would trot home on a sacrifice fly from Leiker Figueroa, adding insurance to the short lead that would prove insurmountable.
Juan Sanchez succeeded Kuehler on the mound, allowing multiple baserunners in both innings of action but walking the tightrope for his second scoreless outing of the week. LJ McDonough locked down the 8th and 9th, finalizing a 6-out save for his 4th of the year. The win sealed the first 6-game series victory of the year for the GreenJackets, and gave Augusta a 7-5 lead in the season series overall.
The GreenJackets head on the road for a season-long 12 game roadtrip across the commonwealth of Virginia, visiting the Lynchburg Hillcats and Salem Red Sox in their northern voyage. The Pelicans return home to their own ballpark as they play host to the Columbia Fireflies. Augusta and Myrtle Beach will meet one more time this year, a 6-game set at Pelicans Ballpark from July 23-28 after the All Star Break.
The GreenJackets will return home to host the Charleston RiverDogs for the second time this season in the first full series of the second half. Highlights of the 6-game homestand include Pickleball Night, the Garnet and Black iteration of College Night, and Parenthood Night with fireworks on Saturday evening. Tickets and more information are easily accessible at greenjacketsbaseball.com.
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Carolina League Stories from June 9, 2024
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- Fireflies Sweep Woodpeckers with 2-1 Win - Columbia Fireflies
- Delmarva Wins Finale to Secure Series Win - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Combined Shutout Propels GreenJackets to First Series Win - Augusta GreenJackets
- Nats Lose Series Finale 8-2 - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Pelicans Shutout 2-0 by GreenJackets on Sunday - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Late Lead Fades, Pelicans Fall to GreenJackets 8-7 - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes 6.9 vs Fayetteville - Columbia Fireflies
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