GreenJackets win both games in doubleheader

AUGUSTA, Ga. - In his nine games with the GreenJackets, outfielder Shawn Payne has proved much needed energy at the plate. Thursday night was no exception.

With the game tied at 4 in the bottom of the sixth, Payne drove in the winning run on a double to left field. After taking the first game of the doubleheader 2-0, the GreenJackets (58-49) went on to defeat the RiverDogs (61-46) for the second time in one night with a 5-4 victory at Lake Olmstead Stadium.

Game 1 was a continuation of a suspended game from July 7. It picked up in the bottom of the third where Augusta had a 2-0 lead against Charleston with bases loaded, two outs and Chuckie Jones at bat. Jones went down swinging, but still the GreenJackets went on to win the first game.

In Game 2, Augusta jumped on Charleston's starter Brett Gerritse in the fourth.

Joey Rapp reached base first in the fourth inning after getting hit by a pitch, he then advanced to second when catcher Eliezer Zambrano singled, moved to third when Andrew Cain walked and scored on a throwing error by Gerritse, which allowed Travious Relaford to reach first.

Alberto Robles then used a single to drive in Zambrano and Cain and give Augusta a 3-0 lead.

Still, the GreenJackets weren't finished scoring in the fourth. Payne used a sacrifice fly to right field to score Relaford.

However, Charleston immediately tied the game up in the top of the fifth.

After starter Joan Gregorio walked the first two batters, closer Tyler Mizenko took the mound. But Mizenko had an uncharacteristic performance.

Mizenko walked his first batter to load the bases then allowed RiverDogs' Greg Bird to score on a wild pitch. Charleston then used back-to-back-to-back singles to tie the game up.

Despite having trouble with late rallies this season, the GreenJackets scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Cain reached first on a fielding error by the RiverDogs' pitcher and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Relaford. Payne later drove in Cain with a double to left field to make it 5-4 GreenJackets. Mason McVay, who had relieved Mizenko in the sixth, retired the side in order in the seventh inning to earn his second win of the season.

The GreenJackets will continue their series with the RiverDogs tomorrow at 7:05 p.m.