GreenJackets Falter in the Clutch, Drop Close Monday Contest
July 3, 2023 - Carolina League (CarL)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
Columbia, SC - The Augusta GreenJackets (Atlanta Braves) lost their only Monday game of the season in dramatic fashion, as the Columbia Fireflies (Kansas City Royals) eked out a 1-0 victory. Columbia (5-4, 40-34) took the lead on a leadoff home run, while Augusta (5-4, 36-38) left five men on base in the loss despite stellar pitching from both sides.
The GreenJackets struggled against Samuel Valerio, who served as the Fireflies' opener in a bullpen game. Augusta struck out four times and failed to reach against him, while Jean Ramirez delivered the lead to Columbia on the third pitch of the game with a solo homer. However, Augusta starter Adam Shoemaker would keep the Fireflies off the scoreboard for the duration of his outing, striking out a career-high seven in four innings of work.
On the other side of the plate, Augusta continued to struggle, only notching their first baserunner with an Andrew Keck single in the top of the fifth. The GreenJackets only had two men reach after six full innings. Ronaldo Alesandro relieved Shoemaker in the fifth, and pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts of his own.
Augusta threatened in the top of the seventh, putting two men aboard with no one out. However, Chazz Martinez entered in relief of Oscar Rayo and immediately induced a double play, before a long flyout ended the threat. Landon Harper relieved Alesandro in the bottom of the seventh and immediately struck out the side. The GreenJackets once again put two men aboard in the top of the eighth, but Martinez stranded them on second and third to keep it a 1-0 ballgame. Harper stranded two aboard himself in the bottom of the eighth.
Wesley Scott entered in the top of the ninth and retired Augusta in order. The GreenJackets take the series four games to two, despite the loss in the series finale.
The GreenJackets are home for the remainder of the week, taking on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Chicago Cubs)! Promotions include two fireworks shows, Faith and Family night, an appearance from Braves mascot Blooper, and more! For tickets and more, go to greenjacketsbaseball.com.
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