Sinnard’s Strong Start Squandered as Shields Stymies at Segra

GreenJackets Media Contact:

Noah Adcock-Howeth

(803) 349-9411

[email protected]

Sinnard’s Strong Start Squandered as Shields Stymies at Segra

Fireflies Attack Bullpen to Equalize Series at One Apiece

COLUMBIA, SC: Luke Sinnard turned in the most dominant performance by an Augusta pitcher this season, firing six scoreless innings, but Columbia’s bullpen won the war late as the Fireflies outpaced the GreenJackets 3-1.

Sinnard posted career bests in a handful of categories, tallying nine strikeouts in six innings, both of which tied for the highest totals by a GreenJacket pitcher this season. The big righty allowed just three hits, all to Derlin Figueroa. Sinnard’s ERA has now dropped to an astounding 1.13, which would be the lowest among active Carolina League arms.

While Sinnard masterfully carved through Columbia, Firefly starter David Shields was just as impressive against the Jackets. Making his Single-A debut, Shields allowed two hits and struck out five in four scoreless innings despite being just 18 years old.

When the game turned to the bullpens, the advantage turned to the Fireflies. Yeri Perez and Dennis Colleran each worked two scoreless innings behind Shields, allowing just one hit between the two of them. Conversely, Columbia jumped on David Rodriguez in the 7^th to break the scoreless tie for good.

With two outs in the 7^th, second baseman Josi Novas scorched a hanging changeup from Rodriguez just over the wall in left field, giving Columbia their first homer since May 3^rd and first run of the day. A single, error, and base hit from Gabriel Silva doubled the lead in the 7^th, and Rodriguez would walk in a run in the 8^th to put the Fireflies handedly in front.

The Jackets seemed poised to be shut out for the 3^rd time this season, especially when Henson Leal retired the first two men of the 9^th, but Augusta’s rookies refused to quit. Owen Carey beat out an infield single, took second on defensive indifference, and scored on an RBI double from Eric Hartman. The swing brought the tying run to the plate in Nick Montgomery, but he was outdueled as Leal earned the game winning strikeout and his first save since 2022.

The win ties the week’s series at one game apiece with four games to go, setting up an intriguing Thursday matchup between Jeremy Reyes and Hiro Wyatt tomorrow night. Augusta still leads the season series 3-2, but now falls to 2.5 games behind the Fireflies in the South Division standings.

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. 2025 Augusta GreenJackets Full, Half and 20-game season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to lock in your seat to cheer on the Braves of tomorrow, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

For team merchandise or more information visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com. Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball" development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class "A" office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

-GreenJackets -