(Story courtesy Augusta GreenJackets)
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Prospect potential seemed to be present in every corner of the ballpark Tuesday as Augusta used a combined offensive output to lift young starter Jeremy Reyes to his first professional win 9-1 over the Hillcats in his GreenJackets debut.
The 18-year-old righty out of Turmero, Venezuela had made just 10 professional appearances between the Dominican Summer League and Florida Complex League before getting the call to join Augusta late last week. Getting the nod for the series opening start at Bank of the James Ballpark, Reyes fired a commendable five-plus innings, scattering three hits and four walks while allowing just one run en route to his first win since signing with the Braves in January 2023.
The GreenJackets offense began its bid to continue last week’s strong play right out of the gate, striking in the first against Alonzo Richardson. Isaiah Drake, continuing the momentum from the previous weekend, led off with a double, stole third, and scored on a sacrifice fly from Will Verdung. From there, the two sides would trade zeroes until the top of the sixth, when Richardson got a dangerous case of déjà vu. Drake doubled once again, advancing to third on a groundout before scoring off Verdung’s secnd RBI, this time a base hit to left. The single would end the night for Richardson, who fought valiantly but took the loss in a hard-luck affair.
Reyes went out to begin the 6th for the first time in his professional career, but a single and walk to the first two batters faced ended his night and put the tying run on second with nobody out. Will Silva came to the bump, a rare high-leverage opportunity for a reliever who had earned his manager’s trust after a fantastic May and start to June. Silva struck out the first man he faced, but allowed a Christian Knapczyk base hit up the middle that appeared as though it would tie the game. Once again, Drake made his presence felt, launching a perfect throw to home plate that caught Tommy Hawke trying to score and keeping Augusta in front.
With the momentum of the stoppage buoying the offense, Augusta unloaded on the Hillcats’ bullpen, scoring seven runs in the seventh off of relievers Deretd Parra and Steven Perez. Augusta used five singles, a walk, and a sac fly to build their case, before Jeremy Celedonio put the icing on the cake with a two-run homer, his third in the last four games. The lead would be more than enough to carry the day, as Silva and Beau Philip locked down the final few frames to seal the fourth straight victory for Augusta.
Wednesdy will see a further youth movement, as 18-year-old arms Didier Fuentes and Alex Clemmey will square off on the mound. Augusta will be looking for its season-high fifth straight win of the year, and second in as many games to open its first meeting with Lynchburg since 2021.
The GreenJackets will be back at home beginning Tuesday, June 25 for a six-game series against the Charleston RiverDogs, who they host for the second time this season. Key moments of the upcoming homestand include Pickleball Night, Faith & Family Night, and Pirates of the Savannah River Night. Tickets and more info about all the things happening at SRP Park can be found at greenjacketsbaseball.com.
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