GreenJackets Fall to Legends in Opener

Augusta, GA-Marten Gasparini hit a one out double in the top of the ninth to score Meibrys Viloria. Gasparini's RBI gave the Lexington Legends a 3-2 lead over the Augusta GreenJackets. Grant Gavin came on in the bottom of the inning to complete the save as the GreenJackets dropped their fourth straight game Saturday night.
Trailing 2-1, Kelvin Beltre led off the bottom of the eighth with a single. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jacob Heyward. With two outs, Ryan Kirby tripled to score Beltre and tie the game. Kirby was then tagged out when attempting to return to third after overrunning the base.
In the bottom of the fifth, the GreenJackets threatened when Legends starting pitcher Geoffrey Bramblett walked the bases loaded with one out. The threat ended the night for Bramblett who only gave up one run off of two hits but did not record a single strike out. With Jose Veras on to pitch in relief, Sandro Fabian grounded out to third, which was just enough to get the GreenJackets on the board. Kelvin Beltre then struck out on a foul tip to strand runners on second and third.
The GreenJackets showed signs of another rally in the ninth when Gavin walked both Cristian Paulino and Will Albertson to start the inning. Brandon Van Horn advanced to second and third with a sacrifice bunt. Ashford Fulmer lined out to second baseman Angelo Castellano for the second out and Fabian was called out on strikes to end the game.
The GreenJackets will be back in action Sunday afternoon for game two of the four game series with the Legends. First pitch is at 2:05pm with the gates opening at 1:00pm. It is the second Bark in the Park of the season presented by Garden City Pet. The first 250 fans into the stadium will receive a free rose presented by Garden Cottage Florist. It is Mother's Day Celebration as part of Junior Jackets Kids Club Day presented by Associated Credit Union, EdVenture Kids Museum, Pediatric Partners of Augusta, Tum-E Yummies, and PDQ. Kids ages 12 and under will also be able to run the bases after the game. Before the game, kids will be able to play catch on the field with the players.
Stephen Woods Jr. Jr. (2-2, 2.77) will start on the mound for the GreenJackets against Jace Vines (2-2, 1.78) for the Legends.
The 29th consecutive season of professional baseball in Augusta is underway.
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