Augusta GreenJackets’ heavy hitters lifted the team out of an error-filled night to beat the Columbia Fireflies 6-4 at SRP Park Sept. 11.
The visiting squad drew first blood as Luca Tresh drove in the first run of the night putting Columbia on top 1-0.
But the GreenJackets struck back during their turn at the plate. Justyn-Henry Malloy, who knocked two over the wall Saturday for his first multi-homerun game, hit the initial homer in the bottom of the opening inning. It was a two-run shot, putting the team up 2-1.
A fifth-inning wild pitch by GreenJackets’ pitcher Rolddy Munoz, who came on in relief of Rainiery Rodriguez, allowed the Fireflies to score a run, tying the game.
The bottom of the inning proved better for the home team as Cade Bunnell hit his 16th homer of the season. His two-run homerun was immediately followed by Malloy’s second homer of the night. The GreenJackets led 5-2 going into the sixth.
The Fireflies tried to regain ground as Peyton Wilson and Omar Hernandez each knocked in a run in the sixth, cutting the GreenJackets lead to a single run 5-4.
Landon Stephens sealed the win for the GreenJackets with his 21st homerun in the bottom of the eighth inning.
The GreenJackets won the game despite committing five errors on the night.
Saturday’s game was followed by a fireworks display.
It was the seventh consecutive win for the GreenJackets, who play their last home game of the season at SRP Park Sept. 12. The game time is set for 6:35 p.m. A fireworks’ show is scheduled for the season finale, which has a luau party theme.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the features editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
