Nicasia Homers Again as Mudcats Even Series

Carolina Mudcats 7 – Augusta GreenJackets 3

Box Score

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – Another big swing from Carolina Mudcats (9-2) outfielder Kay-Lan Nicasia proved to be the catalyst Wednesday night at SRP Park as the Mudcats came from behind to take down the Augusta GreenJackets (6-5), 7-3. Carolina evens the series after a 7-5 loss on Tuesday to Augusta.

The GreenJackets, just like on Tuesday, jumped out to an early lead. Jace Grady singled home a run before Drew Compton doubled him in to push the hosts in front 2-0 in the first inning. Augusta added another in the third against Mudcats starter Daniel Corniel on a Luis Sanchez RBI double.

Facing a 3-0 hole in the top of the fourth, Carolina went to work at the plate. Tayden Hall led off the inning with a base hit. GreenJackets starter Davis Polo (L, 0-2) then recorded back-to-back outs before Nicasia stepped to the plate. The switch hitter, batting from the left side, launched a towering two-run shot over everything in right field for his team-leading third home run of 2024.

The two-out rally wasn't finished for the Mudcats. Blayberg Diaz immediately followed with his first of two doubles on the night and Miguel Briceno brought him home on an RBI triple to tie the game. As Briceno slid into third, the throw sailed out of play and the Carolina second baseman was awarded home, giving the Mudcats the 4-3 lead.

Bayden Root (W, 2-0) came on to pitch the bottom half and did his job, tossing a pair of scoreless, hitless innings in relief. He was followed by K.C. Hunt, who also yielded no hits over three frames and struck out four.

The offense added another run in the sixth when Briceno grounded into a double play that brought Luis Castillo in to score. The lead remained at two until the top of the ninth inning as Diaz scored on a Briceno fielder's choice and the latter later scored on a Juan Biaz RBI single. Blake Whiting pitched a clean bottom half for the Mudcats to secure the victory.

Carolina will look to take the series lead on Thursday night in North Augusta. RHP Bishop Letson will make his second professional starter for the Mudcats while GreenJackets RHP Didier Fuentes gets the ball for the home team. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

Single-game tickets, season ticket packages, mini plans, group options, as well as luxury suite packages and DRB Homes Sky Lounge reservations in the US Foods Club Level are also still available now by visiting www.carolinamudcats.com, by calling (919) 269-2287, and by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon.