GreenJackets Win with Walk Off in Ten Innings

Augusta, GA--In the tenth inning, Randy Ortiz hit a walk off single to center field, solidifying the amazing rally the Augusta GreenJackets (55-60) pushed late in the game to defeat the Savannah Sand Gnats (73-40) on Thursday night. The final score was 10-9. 

The Sand Gnats scored five runs in the first off, GreenJackets starting pitcher, Chase Johnson. Back to back singles by Nelfi Zapata and Stefan Sabol drove in the first two runs. With two outs, Colton Plaia drove in the final three runs of the inning when he singled to right field. 

The GreenJackets finally scored in the bottom of the third inning. Chris Lofton and Jeremy Sy hit back to back solo home runs, off Savannah's starting pitcher, Logan Taylor. The second home run of the season for Lofton came off a 2-1 pitch and was blasted to right field. Just like Lofton, Sy's home run came off a 2-1 pitch. It was his 12th of the season. After three innings, the score was 5-2. Augusta scored another run in the fifth inning when Ty Ross drove in the run on a single to right-center field. 

Four runs were scored by Savannah in the sixth inning. Yeixon Ruiz drove in two runs with a RBI single to left-center field. Champ Stuart then struck out but drove in a run and scored on an error. After six innings the Sand Gnats led the GreenJackets 9-3.

Augusta rallied in the eighth inning by scoring six runs. Rafael Rodriguez had a RBI double to left field, driving in two runs. Rando Moreno then drove in two runs on a single to center field. With the bases loaded, Sand Gnats relief pitcher, Bret Mitchell, walked in a run. Rando Moreno scored the final run of the inning on a wild pitch with Ty Ross at bat. The GreenJackets would then beat the Sand Gnats in the tenth with a walk off single.

GreenJackets's closing pitcher, Jake Smith (3-4), earned the win Thursday night. In two innings pitched, Smith allowed two hits and struck out three batters. Sand Gnat's closing pitcher, Akeel Morris (4-1) took the loss. In one-third inning pitched, Morris gave up one hit and one run.  

The GreenJackets continues the series against the Savannah Sand Gnats on August 8, at Lake Olmstead Stadium. It's Augusta-Richmond County Library Night at the stadium. It's also Extra-Life Night presented by GR Health. There are post game fireworks as well! Great seats are still available by logging onto GreenJacketsBaseball.com. Catch the Buzz!