Grandstrand Grand Slam Grounds GreenJackets

Columbus, GA - The Columbus Catfish (8-7) used hitting power and pitching control to defeat the Augusta GreenJackets (13-2) 6-0 at Golden Park Thursday. CF Desmond Jennings and DH Brett Grandstrand both hit home runs while three pitchers combined for the shutout. It was the first home runs allowed by Augusta this season.

Jennings wasted no time, leading off the bottom of the first inning with a blast to give the Catfish a 1-0 lead.

The fourth inning started with a LF John Matulia single. With one out C Nevin Ashley laid down a sacrifice bunt that moved Matulia to second base. Ashley stayed at first when RHP Robert Grace had trouble coming up with the ball. RF Maiko Loyola walked to load the bases and then Grandstrand went deep to left field for a 5-0 lead.

Columbus added a sixth run in the eighth inning. The two-out rally started with singles by 3B Cesar Suarez and Ashley. Loyola then drove in Suarez for the eventual final score of 6-0.

RHP Heath Rollins (1-0) gave up just two hits and one walk to earn the win. He also tallied seven strikeouts in the first six innings. RHP Chris Kelly filled in for the next two innings and RHP Ryan Reid finished the ninth.

The Catfish take a two-games-to-one lead into the series finale Friday at 7:00pm. For tickets, merchandise or more information call (706) 571-8866 or visit columbuscatfish.com.