GreenJackets fall 7-5 to Grasshoppers

AUGUSTA, GA. - With Joey Rapp on second and Shayne Houck on first in the top of the second, Rafael Rodriguez hit a three-run homer over the left field wall to put the GreenJackets up 3-0 against the Grasshoppers.

Then in the top of the eighth, Mitch Delfino hit a solo shot for his sixth home run of the season. Despite Augusta's two home runs, it wasn't enough to secure a win as the GreenJackets (30-27) fell 7-5 to the Grasshoppers (26-30).

After Rodriguez's homer, Rapp scored after reaching on a single line drive to right field. Rapp's run gave the GreenJackets a 4-0 lead.

In Joan Gregorio's first start since his injury, he worked six scoreless innings. Gregorio gave up just three hits and two walks while striking out eight batters.

Stephen Johnson relieved Gregorio in the seventh, but was only in for a single out before allowing a run to score. Mason McVay then came in with runners on second in third. After McVay struck out Greensboro's Cameron Flynn, he gave up back-to-back doubles allowing the Grasshoppers to tie it up at 4. But Delfino got the lead back for the GreenJackets.

Delfino's homer in the eighth put Augusta up 5-4, but Greensboro responded with three runs in the bottom of eight to give them the win.

The GreenJackets drop to 5 games out of first place. They will face the Grasshoppers Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.