Braves Trip Up GreenJackets Playoff Dreams

Augusta, GA - The Augusta GreenJackets (39-28, 71-58) and Rome Braves (42-26, 69-68) started a critical 4-game series Saturday, a day after being postponed by rain.

Entering the day a half game out of first place, the GreenJackets needed to win any of the next three vs Rome, whereas Rome had to win two of the four.

Michael Connolly started for Augusta, but the Braves lineup got to him in the third inning. Ronald Acuna homered to put Rome ahead 2-0. A triple by Carlos Castro capped off the inning, hanging a five spot in the 3rd.

However the GreenJackets started a rally of their own in the bottom half. Reigning SAL Player of the Week Bryan Reynolds doubled knocking in Manuel Geraldo and Johneshwy Fargas. Trailing 6- 3 in the seventh, Augusta again put together a rally, as Matt Winn homered to put the Jackets within one. That would be it though, as Rome would hang on to take Game 1 6-5.

Raffy Vizcaino was on the mound for the must-win scenario in Game 2. He pitched four innings, allowing three runs, two earned. Down 3-0 in the forth, Augusta put together a 2-run bottom of the forth, as Matt Paré doubled to left field to score Dillon Dobson and Jean Angomas tripled to score Paré.

The Braves would add three more and though Augusta loaded the bases in the 7th, they would not score and fall 6-2. The loss eliminates the GreenJackets from playoff contention as the Rome Braves win the second-half title.

The GreenJackets are back at it tomorrow vs the Braves. Start time is 5:05pm with gates opening at 4:00pm.

Sunday is the final Junior Jackets Day presented by Kid to Kid, Menchies, EdVenture, Tum-E Yummies and Associated Credit Union - Kids Eat FREE! Pre-game Catch on the Field from 4:00- 4:30. It's also our Bike Night! $10 tickets with proceeds benefiting Augusta Cycling Community. Meeting points are 3:30pm at North Augusta Municipal Building; 3:40pm at Savannah Rapids Canal Bridge; 4:00pm at Augusta Commons. This will also be our final Bark in the Park of 2016 so bring out man's best friend and enjoy some baseball! Post-game Kids Run the Bases.

Join us for Fan Appreciation all weekend long and win fantastic prizes! Labor Day, Monday, September 5th will feature our 2016 regular season finale as well as our final fireworks show of 2016! Brent Lundy will be performing a pre-game concert from 5:30-7:00pm with happy hour specials during this time.

The GreenJackets are also closing in on their two millionth fan at the ballpark in 2016! The two millionth fan will win a fantastic prize pack; stay tuned for more details! For more information, including pricing and benefits on all ticket plans, visit www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com or contact the GreenJackets Front Office at (706) 922-WINS (9467). To stay up to date with all things 'Jackets sign up for the Buzz e-newsletter by visiting www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com/thebuzz.

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