Jackets’ Bats Silenced Late in 3-1 Loss

For Immediate Release:

GreenJackets Media Contact:

Noah Adcock-Howeth

(803) 349-9411

[email protected]

Jackets’ Bats Silenced Late in 3-1 Loss

Samuels’ Stellar Start Squandered in Second Game of Season

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: In his second professional start, Logan Samuels allowed just one hit and faced the minimum through five innings, but a late effort from the Fireflies’ bats pushed Columbia over Augusta 3-1 on Saturday night.

Samuels, an 8^th-round pick out of the University of Montevallo, threw just one inning last year after the draft, but was let off his leash to start this season and responded to the opportunity. Samuels retired the first 13 batters he faced, and was phenomenal from the first pitch until he hit his predetermined 70-pitch limit.

The GreenJackets would manufacture their lone run of the game right off the bat, as John Gil began the bottom of the 1^st with a leadoff single. The speedy shortstop would immediately steal second base, and upon realizing that nobody was paying attention, sprinted his way to 3^rd with no play. He would score in the same at bat, on an RBI groundout from Luis Guanipa.

After the first, Fireflies’ starter Yunior Marte settled in splendidly, working 4.2 innings with just one more hit allowed, striking out 5 in total in a very impressive start to the year. He ceded the ball to the bullpen, where the combination of Fraynel Nova, Yeri Perez, and Dennis Colleran each ran with the baton, combining to allow just one more hit in 4.1 scoreless frames.

The Fireflies took advantage of Augusta’s call to the bullpen, immediately challenging Albert Rivas in his first appearance of 2025. Rivas allowed a single and walk to the first two batters he saw, but settled down just enough to grab a zero in the 6^th. His luck ran out in the 7^th, as Ramon Ramirez began the inning with a double and scored on an RBI knock from Stone Russell.

After tying the game in the 7^th, Columbia took the lead for good the very next inning. Milo Rushford began with a single, and slid to second on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs in the inning, Ramirez cranked the first pitch he saw off the top of the right-center field wall, scoring Rushford for a 2-1 lead. Rivas would be subsequently lifted for Reibyn Corona, but the damage was already done. The Fireflies tallied one more run in the 9^th on a solo homer from Russell, and that would be more than enough.

Augusta’s offense was lifeless against the bullpen, and could not challenge Colleran in the final two innings. The 7^th-rounder made his pro debut one to remember, striking out a pair and retiring all six batters faced for his first pro save. Rivas took the loss in his 2025 debut, while Yeri Perez grabbed the win as the pitcher of record.

The 2025 Opening Weekend comes to a conclusion tomorrow afternoon, with a 5:05 start separating both teams from a Monday off-day. Former Nebraska Cornhusker Brett Sears makes his professional debut on the mound for Augusta, while second year Firefly Josh Hansell takes the ball for Columbia.

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single-A affiliate Atlanta Braves. 2025 Augusta GreenJackets Full, Half and 20-game season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to lock in your seat to cheer on the Braves of tomorrow, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

For team merchandise or more information visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com. Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

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.

About Diamond Baseball Holdings

Founded in 2021, Diamond Baseball Holdings is committed to elevating fan experiences, creating “centers of energy,” fostering dynamic engagements for brands and highlighting the evolution of the Minor League Baseball environment. It is grounded in a deep-rooted appreciation for traditions, community and the sport of baseball. For more information visit diamond**baseballholdings.com**.