NORTH AUGUSTA — Friday was not a friendly night for the Augusta GreenJackets (27-30) as they were soundly defeated by the Salem Red Sox (27-29) by a score of 17-3.
The GreenJackets fell behind very early as the Red Sox put together an explosive first inning where they scored eight runs on a two-run double by Chase Meidroth, RBI single by Tyler Miller, bases-loaded walk to Ahrbam Liendo, and a grand slam by Eddinson Paulino to cap off the huge inning for the Red Sox as they led 8-0 after a half-inning of play.
They’d add three more runs in the top of the third with a two-run double by Mikey Romero followed by an RBI double by Eduardo Lopez to put Augusta in an 11-0 hole.
But in the bottom of the third, the GreenJackets would make some noise as Francisco Floyd, Stephen Paolini, and Kadon Morton combined for back-to-back-to-back home runs to start the frame to make it an 11-3 ball game.
That’s the closest Augusta would get as the Red Sox got two of those runs back in the sixth on a two-run homer by Yorberto Mejicano to push the lead back to ten at 13-3.
Eddinson Paulino went yard again for the Red Sox in the seventh with a three-run homer, giving him seven RBIs on the night as the Boston prospect put the GreenJackets way behind at 16-3.
They’d tack on one more run in the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Miller to conclude a lopsided 17-3 win for Salem.
Michael Valera (1-0) picked up the win in relief for the Red Sox with Owen Murphy (0-1) taking the loss for Augusta. Felix Cepeda (2) was awarded the save for Salem.
Augusta will continue their series with the Red Sox on Saturday night as JR Ritchie takes the mound for the first time at SRP Park against Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz for Salem with first pitch slated for 6:05 p.m.
The final homestand of 2022 for the GreenJackets continues Saturday as it’s Hall of Fame Night with a throwback Shersey Giveaway to go along with live pregame music from Josh Hillley as part of the White Claw Pregame Concert Series from 4:30-5:30 pm. Sunday is the final home game of 2022 and it’s Fan Appreciation/Luau Night with the final postgame Fireworks Extravaganza to close out the home season!
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