Big fourth inning not enough, Jackets fall 7-6

COLUMBIA, SC– In a rollercoaster ride of emotions, the Columbia Fireflies (Kansas City Royals) prevailed on Friday evening by a final score of 7-6. The GreenJackets had the tying run on third base in the ninth, but Walter Pennington left Braulio Vasquez stranded as he collected his second save of the season.

Augusta has now lost three consecutive games after taking the first game of the series on Tuesday night.

The Fireflies broke out early. Darius Vines entered his start Friday having allowed only one run in 12 innings. Columbia tagged him for three in the first frame. Zach Seipel took over in the 2nd inning. A Herard Gonzalez sacrifice fly gave the Fireflies a 2-0 lead after two.

In the fourth inning, the GreenJackets offense came alive. Brandon Parker hit his 2nd home run of the series, and his third in the last six days.

Parker didn't stay tied for the team lead in home runs for long.

After his two-run shot, Cam Shepherd and Bryson Horne singled, and Cade Bunnell hit his team leading fourth home run of the season to give the Jackets a 5-4 advantage.

The long ball was a common theme though, and Jake Means launched his fourth of the year for Columbia to tie the score in the 5th. Gonzalez belted his first of the year for the Fireflies in the 7th, and the Fireflies had a 6-5 lead.

An insurance run in the 8th, courtesy of a Gonzalez single, made it 7-5.

Gonzalez ended the night 2-for-4 with three RBI. Columbia scored at least one run off all five GreenJackets pitchers on Friday.

In the ninth, Javier Valdes and Vasquez singled with one out. Stephen Paolini walked. Parker grounded out to score Valdes, advancing Vasquez to third, and Paolini to second. But Pennington struck out Landon Stephens to end the night.

The GreenJackets out hit Columbia 12-7, but went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position, and they left 10 men on-base.

• Braulio Vasquez stole his league leading 17th base. He now has 12 stolen bases in his last nine games.
• Javier Valdes, Braulio Vasquez, Cade Bunnell and Stephen Paolini all finished with two hits.
• Brandon Parker is 3-for-18 in his last five games. All three hits have been home runs.

NEXT HOMESTAND: Tuesday, June 1st – 6th vs Charleston RiverDogs (Tampa Bay Rays)

Tuesday, June 8th- 13th vs Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Chicago Cubs)

Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 vs Charleston Riverdogs – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates Open 6:00pm
• “First Responder Tuesday’s,” presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors, News 12/NBC 26 & Sunny 102.7
• All Fire, Police, and EMS can receive discounted reserved seating tickets with valid ID at the SRP Park Box Office (while supplies last).
• Register to be our Academy Sports and Outdoors First Responder of the Game and receive four (4) tickets, four (4) food vouchers and a $100 gift card to Academy Sports & Outdoors. Link to Register: https://www.milb.com/augusta/ballpark/gj-first-responders

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 vs Charleston RiverDogs – 7:05 p.m.

· Gates Open 6:00pm

· Join us for the third “Warrior Wednesday” presented by WRDW News-Talk WGAC Augusta

· Warrior Wednesday presented today by Galaxy Distribution

o The Jackets will wear special military-themed jerseys. Active military who present ID can purchase discount reserved seating tickets at the SRP Park Box Office (while supplies last). The specialty jerseys will be auctioned off on Wednesday, September 8th to benefit Forces United.

· Play along with Baseball Bingo presented by Comfort Keepers.

· It’s the third Silver Jackets Game of 2021 presented by AARP Georgia, Augusta Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy and Comfort Keepers. Fans 60+ can join this great club to join us every Wednesday, to learn more visit: https://www.milb.com/augusta/ballpark/gj-silver-jackets.

Thursday June 3**rd**, 2021 vs Charleston RiverDogs – 7:05 p.m.

· Thirsty. Thursday. Is. Back. Presented by KICKS99, BOB FM, Garden City Social and Mr. Tatoo. The weekly promotion features $1 PBR and Natural Light and other discounted beers from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Friday, June 4th, 2021 vs Charleston RiverDogs – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates Open 6:00pm

· First 1,750 fans through the gates can receive a Tin Sign presented by Coca-Cola

· 90s Night - 90s babies unite! It’s 90s night at the ballpark.

• Braves BUZZFest – Red Out
• "Feature Friday," highlights one beer at the Keg Stand from 6:00PM-8:00PM

Saturday, June 5th, 2021 vs Charleston RiverDogs – 6:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 4:30 for the White Claw Pre-game Concert.
• $2 Off White Claw from 4:30 until first pitch

· 2000s Night – Come join us for the new Millenium!

· It’s the 2nd Booming Fireworks Show of 2021. You don’t want to miss it!

Sunday, June 6th, 2021 vs Charleston RiverDogs – 2:05 p.m.

• Sunday FUNday presented thanks to Shout 94.7 - Enjoy kid-friendly themes and activities during the game!
• Bark in the Park - Bring out your four-legged GreenJackets fan for a night at the ballpark! Presented by Hollywood Feed

· Jr. Jackets Kids Club game presented by Best Office Products, Family YMCA of Greater Augusta, Pediatric Partners & Tum-E Yummies. It’s FREE to join and members 12 & younger will receive free admission this game – not a member register today: https://www.milb.com/augusta/community/jr-jackets-activities

• New for 2021 on Sunday’s, the Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ Sunday Savings Meal Deal will offer fans 12 and under discounted Meal offerings to Sunday games.

To learn more or purchase tickets to this homestand visit: https://www.milb.com/augusta/tickets/promotions

To stay up to date on all things GreenJackets follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitterand sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://bit.ly/AGJBuzz.

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

GreenJackets Baseball is back and the 2021 season is underway. 2021 May Single Game Tickets are on sale now and available online www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com. The full promotional schedule; including post-game fireworks shows, giveaways and theme programs will be released by the GreenJackets in the near future.

2021 Augusta GreenJackets season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the 2021 action, visit www.gjmembers.comor call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

The Low-A East schedule is subject to change. It is the Low-A East and Major League Baseball’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of players, club employees, and fans.

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, "playball" development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class "A" office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

-GreenJackets -