GreenJackets Swept by Sand Gnats in Double Header

An exciting first game proved to be draining for the GreenJackets. Team only managed three hits in Game Two.

By Coeli Danella

April 9, 2014

Augusta, GA--After being rained out yesterday, the GreenJackets (2-4) suffered back-to-back losses against the Savannah Sand Gnats (3-2) on Tuesday by scores of 6-5 in game one and 3-1 in game two.

The third inning of game one brought in three of the GreenJackets five runs. After Ty Ross and Cristian Paulino were walked, Randy Ortiz made a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. A sacrifice fly by Brandon Bednar brought Ross home, and a throwing error by Sand Gnats' L.J. Mazzilli allowed Paulino to score. Christian Arroyo scored the third run after Ryan Tuntland was caught stealing second base.

The final two runs were scored in the fifth inning. With one out, Paulino was hit by a pitch. After a single to right center field by Randy Ortiz, Brandon Bednar doubled to right center field.

The GreenJackets were leading the game until the sixth inning when Sand Gnats Stefan Sabol tied the game with a homerun to left-center field. The Sand Gnats scored their final run in the seventh inning.

Brandon Bednar continued to be the best offensive player for the GreenJackets. Six games into the season, Bednar has nine hits, two doubles, three RBI, and a .429 batting average.

The second game was less exciting. The GreenJackets struggled to get on base unlike the previous game. Augusta only managed three hits in the 3-1 loss.

The lone run came in the bottom of the sixth inning. After Ortiz walked, Sand Gnats' Peterson threw a wild pitch allowing Ortiz to advance to second. A ground out by Bednar allowed Ortiz to advance to third base. Christian Arroyo then grounded out to L.J. Mazzilli which allowed Ortiz to score.

Shawn Payne was the offensive player of the game for Augusta. He went 2 for 3 against Sand Gnat's pitcher Tim Peterson. Alongside Bednar, Payne has a batting average of .429. In four games he has six hits and one double.

The Augusta GreenJackets play their final game against the Sand Gnats tomorrow at 7 PM. The team then travels to Charleston to play the RiverDogs. The GreenJackets will be back at Lake Olmstead Stadium on April 14, 2014, with a three game series against Savannah.