GreenJackets’ Comeback Bid Falls Just Short in Sloppy Midweek Tilt

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Noah Adcock-Howeth

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GreenJackets’ Comeback Bid Falls Just Short in Sloppy Midweek Tilt

Augusta Pitchers Strike Out Season High 17 Batters But Fall 5-4

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The GreenJackets struck out 17 RiverDogs and put the tying run on third base in each of the final two innings, but could not complete the comeback as they fell back under .500 with a 5-4 loss to Charleston on Wednesday.

Augusta took an early lead in the first, when a seemingly routine fly ball down the left field line from Drew Comptopn hit off the glove of Odalys Peguero, who appeared blinded by the setting sun. The missed catch error scored Kade Kern from first and made it a 1-0 ballgame. The run would be the only one the ‘Jackets mustered against Charleston starter Santiago Suarez, who scattered four hits, struck out five, and induced two double plays across 6 brilliant innings as he earned his second win of the season.

Augusta starter Davis Polo turned in a much shorter and laborious effort, as he lasted just two innings before being replaced by a reliever. Polo allowed two runs but struggled with command, and a two-run single from Narciso Polanco left him holding a losing decision for the third time this year.

With the GreenJackets needing seven innings of work from their bullpen, Adel Dilone turned in a standout effort as he retired all six batters he was permitted to face, striking out three. He was replaced by Adam Shoemaker, who allowed three runs (two earned) in 3.1 innings with a season high 17 strikeouts. Charleston used their speed to their advantage, going a perfect 7-7 stealing bases including 4 with Shoemaker on the mound to help add to their lead.

Augusta was visibly thrilled to see Suarez’s night end, and the excitement only built against left-handed reliever Dalton Fowler in the 7^th. Fowler faced 5 hitters and retired just one, losing his command quickly. The Memphis product walked 3 and hit one, with a pair of wild pitches turning a comfortable 5-1 game for the RiverDogs into a tight contest with the tying run at first. The stress dissipated quickly for the ‘Dogs when new arm Owen Stevenson got Jacob Godman to line into a double play right at first baseman Woo Shin, who was fantastic with the glove all game.

Shoemaker loaded the bases in the 8^th, but manager Wynston Sawyer turned to LJ McDonough for his team-high 7^th appearance of the season, and McDonough rewarded his faith by stranding all 3 runners and working a scoreless ninth for good measure to keep Charleston’s total at 5.

The GreenJackets gave it a go in the 8^th against Stevenson, as Kade Kern reached second on an error from Carlos Colmenarez as he attempted to turn the team’s 4^th double play of the night. Kern advanced to 3^rd on a wild pitch, but a strike out of the red-hot Drew Compton held the lead in the 8^th. For the 9^th, Charleston turned to righty Will Stevens, and the Tarleton State product worked around a two-out triple from Robert Gonzalez that put the tying run 90 feet away to close the game out when P-O Boucher softly grounded out to third. Stevens earned his 2^nd professional save in 3 tries in his first full year of pro ball.

Augusta will send Didier Fuentes to the mound tomorrow fresh off his first professional win, having twirled 5 innings of one hit, one run baseball a week ago in Columbia. The RiverDogs will counter with TJ Nichols, a 2023 6^th round pick out of Arizona who is 1-2 on the year. It’s Country Night at SRP Park, with tickets still available for the 7:05 clash between divisional rivals.

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