GreenJackets Fire Off 13 Runs in Series Opener

Augusta, GA--The Augusta GreenJackets (40-44) won their first game of the homestand against the Greenville Drive (37-48) in a spectacular performance on Friday night. An explosive offense produced 13 runs including a home run by right fielder Tyler Horan.

Tyler Horan helped the GreenJackets take the lead early when he hit a two run home run on a 0-1 pitch in the first inning. This marks Horan's tenth home run of the season. He continued to help the team with run support in the third inning when he doubled to left field. 

The Greenville Drive answered the three run deficit in the fourth inning when they scored five runs. Tim Roberson began the scoring frenzy when he hit a solo home run on a 1-0 pitch to right field. Kendrick Perkins drove in two runs when he doubled to center field. A single by Kevin Mager drove in the final two runs of the inning. In the fifth inning, Carlos Asuaje helped extend the Greenville Drive's lead with a two run home run.

The GreenJackets offense exploded in the bottom of the fifth inning when they scored six runs. A wild pitch allowed Ryan Tuntland to plate the run. Tyler Horan drove in one run when he singled through the hole at second base. After Jeremy Sy was walked, Ryan Jones, singled through the hole at second base, driving in the team's third run of the inning. The final three runs were driven in by GreenJackets catcher, Ty Ross, when he doubled to right field. 

Augusta scored their final four runs in the seventh inning. With the bases loaded, a sacrifice fly by recently acquired GreenJacket, Ryan Jones drove in the first run. The team plated two runs when Eric Sim singled to center field. Ryan Tuntland drove in the final run with a single to center field. 

The Drive tried to attempted to rally in the ninth inning, however they only managed two runs. Carlos Asuaje drove in the first run on a sacrifice fly to right field. Immediately after Jake Romanski singled through the hole at second base to score the team's final run. 

GreenJackets relief pitcher Carlos Alvarado (5-1) earned the win with four innings pitched and allowing four hits. Alvarado allowed one home run and struck out five. While Alvarado earned the win, the Drive's starting pitcher Jamie Callahan (2-8) took the loss. In four and one-third innings pitched, he gave up eight runs, one home run, issued three walks and struck out five batters. 

The GreenJackets continue their series against Greenville Drive on Saturday, July 5, at Lake Olmstead Stadium. There is a Pre-Game Independence Day Bash at the SweetWater Draft House. Fans can buy tickets to enjoy the 90 minute all you can eat buffet before the 7:00 game. There is also post-game fireworks courtesy of American Family Insurance. Great seats are still available by logging onto GreenJacketsBaseball.com. Catch the Buzz!