From the Augusta GreenJackets
ZEBULON, N.C. — The Augusta GreenJackets (12-10) returned to the road after a successful 12-game homestand as they faced the Carolina Mudcats (12-10) and the affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers halted the GreenJackets’ momentum with their toughest defeat of the season, 14-1.
Starting pitchers Luis Vargas for Augusta and Brannon Jordan traded zeroes in the first two innings and then the offenses came alive as the GreenJackets scored first with Kadon Morton scoring off the bat of Stephen Paolini on an error to make it 1-0.
But the Mudcats would answer and then some as they scored six times in the bottom half. Alberis Ferrer started it with an RBI single to tie the game, followed by a double by Eduardo Garcia to put Carolina ahead 2-1. Jackson Chourio then doubled in a run to up the lead to 3-1. After another run came home on an error, the Mudcats piled on more runs with a two-run homer by Jesus Chirinos to cap off a six-run frame for Carolina.
The runs would continue for the Mudcats in the fourth inning as they scored three more times on a homer by Alberis Ferrer that produced two runs, and an RBI double by Jeferson Quero that extended the lead to 9-1.
Carolina wasn’t quite finished, in the fifth inning, they scored three more times on RBIs by Oswel Leones, Eduardo Garcia and Jackson Chourio to further the deficit for Augusta to 12-1.
Two more runs would score for the Mudcats in the seventh inning, on a wild pitch, and another run-scoring hit by Oswel Leones to cap off a 14-1 win for Carolina in the series opener.
Brannon Jordan earned the win for the Mudcats while Luis Vargas suffered the loss.
Despite the tough defeat, Brandol Mezquita did collect a pair of hits including a double to extend his current on-base streak to 16 games, and Geraldo Quintero picked up his third triple of the season in the first inning.
The GreenJackets will look to put Tuesday’s defeat quickly behind them on Wednesday with AJ Smith-Shawver getting the start again Ryne Moore for the Mudcats. First pitch of Game 2 is at 7 p.m.
Salinas called up to Rome Braves
In other GreenJackets’ buzz, Augusta GreenJackets starting pitcher Royber Salinas has officially been promoted to the Atlanta Braves’ High-A Affiliate the Rome Braves after a month of brilliance on the mound with the GreenJackets. Salinas was the Opening Night starter for Augusta and has caught the attention of many as the 21-year-old from Venezuela currently leads all Minor League pitchers in strikeouts with 52 in 23.2 innings, averaging an eye-popping 19.7 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched. During his month in Augusta, Salinas has struck out 10 or more in 3 of his 5 starts, including a career-high 13 strikeouts in a masterful performance in Myrtle Beach on April 14. In addition, Salinas has been named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week twice.
Ben Dum is also being transferred to Rome with Salinas after making three appearances with the GreenJackets and not allowing a run in any of his outings.
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