Timely Hits Help Augusta Take Down Columbia
Published on July 23, 2022 under Carolina League (CarL)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
COLUMBIA, SC: The Augusta GreenJeackets (8-13) came out of the All-Star Break on a strong note as they defeated their I-20 Rivals, the Columbia Fireflies (13-9) 6-3 at Segra Park.
After a scoreless first three innings of the game, the GreenJackets broke the tie in the fourth on a wild pitch with the bases loaded as Francisco Floyd came home to score to make it 1-0 Augusta. With two outs in the inning and runners at second and third, Braulio Vasquez delivered with a timely hit as he dropped a flare into left field to score both Brandon Parker and Adam Zebrowski to give Augusta a 3-0 lead.
The Fireflies would respond with one in the bottom of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Carter Jensen to score Daniel Vazquez, trimming the Augusta lead to 3-1.
The Fireflies would develop a threat in the fifth by loading the bases with one out, but Luis Vargas produced a double-play ball off the bat of Jean Ramirez to escape the inning with no damage done. That would be the final inning for Vargas as he finished the night with five strikeouts in five innings with just one run on two hits.
In the sixth, the GreenJackets would continue their momentum by scoring three more times, first on a sacrifice fly by Connor Blair to plate Adam Zebrowski, pushing the lead back to three at 4-1. With two more runners in scoring position, Augusta came through with another clutch hit, this time by Eliezel Stevens as he sent an opposite-field liner to left to bring in both Stephen Paolini and Braulio Vasquez to give Augusta their largest lead of the game at 6-1.
Columbia came through with another answer on a second sacrifice fly by Carter Jensen to plate Daniel Vazquez once again but that's all the Fireflies would muster in the frame as GreenJackets still maintained a comfortable 6-2 advantage after six.
With the lead still 6-2 in the eighth, the Fireflies would try once again to get back in the by scoring on an RBI single by Guillermo Quintana, but all they'd score is the one run as Augusta marched into the final inning leading 6-3.
There would be no threat in the bottom half of the ninth as Rolddy Muñoz shutdown Columbia in order to secure a 6-3 victory in the series opener, snapping a seven-game losing streak versus the Fireflies in the process.
Luis Vargas (4-4) was the winner in Friday's matchup for the GreenJackets for his fourth winning decision in his last seven starts. Rolddy Muñoz (1) earned the first save of his career while Columbia starter Luinder Avila (5-7) took the loss.
Adam Zebrowski was amongst the top performers offensively for Augusta as the GreenJackets' catcher reached base four times while going 3/4 for the first three-hit game of his career, while also scoring twice in the game. Braulio Vasquez and Eliezel Stevens both drove in a pair of runs with two-run singles with two outs in the fourth and sixth respectively.
The three-game series continues on Saturday between the GreenJackets and Fireflies as James Acuña is set to start for Augusta versus Frank Mozzicato for Columbia with first pitch set for 6:05 pm from Segra Park.
The next homestand for the GreenJackets is one you will not want to miss as they play host to the first-half champions, Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Chicago Cubs) for a week full of fantastic promotions! The series begins with $2 TWOsday along with a SweetWater Brewing Collectors Cup Night. Wednesday is highlighted by Warrior Wednesday, the Corona Bucket Special, and Baseball Bingo. It's a special College Night on Thursday as fans are encouraged to rep Orange and Purple with a Purple and Orange Fireworks show to follow the game presented by Tri-Star Contractors, KICKS99 & BOBFM. You'll want to arrive at SRP Park early on Friday for a Braves Championship Ring Replica Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans, these will go fast! Saturday is Marvel Defender of the Diamond Night where the GreenJackets will where special Marvel Jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game to benefit Walton Options! In addition, there's live pregame music from the Brand Band from 4:30-5:30 as part of the White Claw Pregame Concert Series with another Fireworks Extravaganza following the game! The homestand concludes with Princess and Villains night on Sunday where fans are encouraged to come dress as their favorite princess or villain!
Carolina League Stories from July 23, 2022
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- 'Birds Drop Series to FredNats with Shutout Loss, 7-0 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Columbia Rallies to Beat Augusta 6-5 Saturday - Columbia Fireflies
- Timely Hits Help Augusta Take Down Columbia - Augusta GreenJackets
- Columbia Forces Sunday Rubber Match at Segra Park - Augusta GreenJackets
- Mendez Hits Leadoff Blast in 3-1 Carolina Victory - Carolina Mudcats
- Delmarva Shorebirds Game Notes - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes July 23 vs Augusta - Columbia Fireflies
- Salem Starts Slow After All-Star Break - Salem Red Sox
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