Monell's Two Home Runs Keep Jackets in Chase
September 2, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
Augusta, GA - For the ninth time this season, the Augusta GreenJackets rallied in their final at bat to win on walkoff fashion, thanks to the second of Johnny Monell's two home runs and a single into left-center from Francisco Peguero in a thrilling 5-4 win over the Savannah Sand Gnats on Wednesday afternoon.
Trailing by a run in the ninth against tough lefty Jimmy Johnson, Monell's leadoff blast down the right-field line cleared the fence to tie the game. It was his second home run in as many at bats and fifth since the beginning of August. With two outs and two on, Francisco Peguero - who was previously 0-4 on the afternoon - shot a liner into the gap to score Ehire Adrianza for the winning run in Augusta's fourth straight victory.
The Jackets led early with a run on an Adrianza groundout in the second but Savannah took the lead on Raul Reyes' eighth home run of the year in the fourth inning. The blast off Mike Loree gave the Gnats a lead that they added to in the next inning on a two-run single by Alonzo Harris to give Savannah the 4-1 edge. Before the single, James Simmons misplayed a ball in right that wasn't ruled an error but did give the Sand Gnats two runners in scoring position.
In the sixth, Monell's first home run of the game gave the Jackets a flicker of hope - a two-run blast to right-center that pulled Augusta to within a run.
Both starters pitched well though neither factored in the decision. Eric Beaulac struck out eight in six innings - the 13th time this year in 18 starts he's fanned more than five - while Loree struck out five in seven solid innings, allowing four runs on eight hits.
Ryan Verdugo (4-0) fired 1.1 innings of scoreless, hitless relief with a strikeout to get the win out of the bullpen for the GreenJackets. Jimmy Johnson (1-1) gave up both ninth inning runs on three hits in his first blown save of the year in five tries.
Pending Asheville's results later on Wednesday, the GreenJackets could close to within 1.5 games of the Southern Division lead with five games remaining. They'll be no farther behind than 2.5 games back. Augusta will travel to Rome, where they'll begin play against the Braves for two at State Mutual Stadium on Thursday and Friday - facing major league rehabber Nate McLouth - before finishing the season on Labor Day weekend at Lake Olmstead Stadium with a three-game series against the Braves beginning on Saturday at 7:05 p.m..
On Thursday, Aaron King (6-6, 3.92) gets the start for the Jackets against Rome's Mike Minor (0-1, 1.00). First pitch from State Mutual Stadium comes at 7:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on WRDW AM 1630 and online at www.greenjacketsbaseball.com. You may purchase seats to any of the remaining 2009 home contests by calling 706-922-WINS or online at www.greenjacketsbaseball.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from September 2, 2009
- Drive Head in Reverse Against Hot Rods, Lose 7-3 - Greenville Drive
- 'Hoppers escape Hickory with 6-3 win - Hickory Crawdads
- BlueClaws Lose Home Finale - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Scelfo Powers Hot Rods Past Drive 7-3 - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Kannapolis comes closer with 5-1 win over West Virginia - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Late-Game Heroics Lift Suns To Series Victory Over Lakewood - Hagerstown Suns
- Playoff Hopes In Doubt After Loss To Kannapolis - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Cesario Smashes Asheville To Victory - Asheville Tourists
- Tourists score four in eighth, beat Legends 6-2 - Lexington Legends
- Charleston Pitching Outlasts Braves - Rome Emperors
- Dannemiller Lands Female Executive Of Year Award - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- RiverDogs Conquer Rome Again, 4-0, In 13 Innings - Charleston RiverDogs
- Runzler Gets Call to the Big Leagues - Augusta GreenJackets
- Suns Saving Their Best For Last Homestand Of 2009 - Hagerstown Suns
- Ratliff, Satin Promoted To St. Lucie - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Walk-Off Win Propels GreenJackets To Sweep Of Gnats - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park's Field Selected Best in South Atlantic League - Charleston RiverDogs
- Logan County Little League Honored by Hot Rods - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Monell's Two Home Runs Keep Jackets in Chase - Augusta GreenJackets
- Fan Appreciation Night Tonight, Roof-man and Playoffs Next Week - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Norris and Lombardozzi Selected to South Atlantic League Post-Season All-Star Team - Hagerstown Suns
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