Stranded Runners Doom Jackets in 4-2 Loss
Published on May 16, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
Augusta, GA - The Augusta GreenJackets stranded 11 runners, leaving the bases loaded twice in a 4-2 loss to the Rome Braves on Wednesday night. With the win, the Braves earn back-to-back victories for only the second time this year and take two of three from the GreenJackets, who dropped four of seven games in this just-completed homestand.
The Braves drew first blood for the second night in a row, scoring three runs off Joseph Biagini in his first start since April 24th. After Biagini loaded the bases on a single and two walks, Brandon Drury drilled a bases-clearing double to dead-center to put the Braves up 3-0. Biagini (0-2) departed after just 2.2 innings, allowing three runs on two hits and four walks while striking out four.
The biggest chances for the GreenJackets came in the fifth and sixth innings as Augusta loaded the bases on three separate occasions. With the bases loaded and no one out in the fifth, Kelby Tomlinson grounded into a 1-2-3 double play that threatened to kill that rally before Jose Cuevas walked to reload the bases. Shawn Payne grounded out though to end the inning before the GreenJackets broke through in the sixth.
Rome starter Navery Moore walked Joe Staley with one out in the sixth and the free pass started a two-run rally. Reliever Wilson Rivera walked the next hitter before allowing an RBI single to John Eshleman to plate a run and put the GreenJackets on the board. A fielder's choice and a walk loaded the bases for Kelby Tomlinson with two outs and Tomlinson watched ball four to force in Augusta's second run. With the bases still full and the GreenJackets down a run, Cuevas struck out to end the inning.
Moore (2-1) departed after firing 5.1 innings and allowing a run on three hits and three walks while striking out a career-high six.
With the exception of a two-out Staley single in the seventh, the GreenJackets wouldn't have a runner aboard until the ninth. By then, Cory Brownsten's two-out RBI single had pushed the Rome lead to 4-2. Tomlinson singled to open the ninth, but Ryne Harper retired the next three hitters in order - two on strikeouts - to earn his third save of the year and second in as many nights.
Rome used the double play to their advantage in the series, turning seven during the three-game set. Two of Rome's three hits in the series finale came with two outs, accounting for all three runs. The win gives the Braves back-to-back wins for just the second time this season and just as was the case the first time around, the winning pitchers in both were David Filak and Moore.
The GreenJackets hit the road for seven games, opening a four-game set in Savannah on Thursday. Clayton Blackburn (0-2, 5.40) takes the ball for the GreenJackets and will face Savannah's Domingo Tapia (3-1, 3.94). First pitch from Savannah comes at 7:05 p.m. with radio pregame coverage beginning at 6:50 p.m. on ESPN Radio 1340 AM and online at www.greenjacketsbaseball.com.
The GreenJackets return home on Thursday May 24th to open a four-game set with the Sand Gnats on another Thirsty Thursday, presented by The Library. First pitch comes at 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 6. Fans can enjoy dollar domestic drafts and soft drinks throughout the night. Single-game tickets for any GreenJackets home game are currently available by calling the GreenJackets front office at 706-922-WINS and online at www.greenjacketsbaseball.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from May 16, 2012
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- Stranded Runners Doom Jackets in 4-2 Loss - Augusta GreenJackets
- Drive Send Tourists Packing, 5-4, in Series Finale - Greenville Drive
- Hagerstown Hangs on for 8-6 Win on Wednesday - Hickory Crawdads
- Souza Homers Again, Suns Sweep Crawdads - Hagerstown Suns
- Explosion of Hits Paces 'Claws in 7-1 Win - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Austin, Sanchez Employ Long Ball to Swat Sand Gnats, 14-5 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds
- BlueClaws Cruise to 7-1 Win over Shorebirds - Delmarva Shorebirds
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