J.J Niekro Magnificent Once Again for GreenJackets
Published on June 10, 2022 under Carolina League (CarL)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
COLUMBIA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets (30-25) took down the Columbia Fireflies (15-40) for the third straight night, 6-2 thanks to more brilliance on the mound from J.J. Niekro and another 15-hit performance by the offense.
After a scoreless first inning, Adam Zebrowski put the GreenJackets ahead in the second on a two-run homer to score himself and Brandon Parker to make it 2-0 on Zebrowski's sixth home run of the season.
That 2-0 would be held in place until the sixth inning when Augusta manufactured a key insurance run. A two-out triple by Kadon Morton set Caleb Durbin up to crack his 33rd RBI of the season on a single to left that scored Morton with ease, making it 3-0.
The Fireflies had nothing going against GreenJackets' starting pitcher J.J. Niekro who was on a roll all night long as he allowed no runs in seven innings on the mound. Niekro faced just three over the minimum during his start as he achieved seven innings for the second consecutive start.
Columbia came through with some hope once Niekro departed by pulling with a run after a two-run homer by Enrique Valdez in the eighth off of Rob Griswold to make it a 3-2 game. Griswold would rebound and keep the Fireflies off the board for the rest of the inning to hold the one-run lead into the ninth.
However, the GreenJackets wanted no part of a close finish on Friday night as they put the game away in the ninth by scoring three times on four hits. Cal Conley started the inning with a triple and he'd be brought home on a double by Brandol Mezquita to make it 4-2, Mezquita's second double of the game. The next batter, Brandon Parker, followed suit by delivering his third triple of the season to bring Mezquita in from second to up the lead to 5-2. To put a bow on it, Adam Zebrowski doubled to right-center for his third RBI of the game as Parker scored to give the GreenJackets their largest lead at 6-2.
Tyler Owens took over in the ninth and got through in the inning in four batters to complete Augusta's third-straight win in Columbia, 6-2.
J.J. Niekro improved his win-loss record to 5-0 after picking up the win on Friday night while the GreenJackets own a mark of 10-1 in games he's pitched in this season.
Augusta racked up 15 hits or more for the third consecutive game led by Adam Zebrowski who drove in three runs with his home run and ninth-inning double. Caleb Durbin collected another multi-hit game while picking up his team-best 33rd RBI of the season in the seventh. Kadon Morton and Brandon Parker each had three hits on the night with Brandol Mezquita earning his 18th multi-hit game of the season with two doubles.
Augusta will look to clinch their third series win against the Fireflies on Saturday night with Jordano Perez getting the call for the GreenJackets. He'll face off with Ben Hernandez for Columbia with first pitch set for 6:05 pm from Segra Park.
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 10, 2022
- Birds Bounce Back for 5-3 Victory over Mudcats - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Seymour Slugs RiverDogs to 11-7 Win; Dogs Remain in First Place Tie - Charleston RiverDogs
- J.J Niekro Magnificent Once Again for GreenJackets - Augusta GreenJackets
- Garcia and Chourio Both Homer in 5-3 Loss - Carolina Mudcats
- Williams' Four-RBI Game Leads Woodpeckers to Third Win over Shorebirds - Fayetteville Woodpeckers
- Rutledge Dazzles in Firework Friday FredNat Win - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Fireflies Rally Stymied by Three-Run Ninth - Columbia Fireflies
- Heston Kjerstad Collects First Pro Hit, RBI; 'Birds Fall 7-1 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- INF Alberis Ferrer Placed on IL - Carolina Mudcats
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes June 10 vs Augusta - Columbia Fireflies
- Vera Produces Solid Debut Outing in 1-0 Loss to Wood Ducks Thursday - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
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.
