NORTH AUGUSTA – The Augusta GreenJackets (Atlanta Braves) took on the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Chicago White Sox) in the series opener on a misty Tuesday night at SRP Park. Augusta (19-21) scored first, but the Cannon Ballers (22-17) scored six unanswered runs to take the first game of the series 6-1.
Cedric de Grandpre got the start for Augusta, after delivering the first quality start of the year for the GreenJackets in his last outing. The Quebec native was dealing through his first three frames, not allowing a hit or a baserunner. In the bottom of the third, Jair Casanova slugged his fourth homer of the year to put the GreenJackets up 1-0, also driving in his team-high 17th run in the month of May. Augusta had a runner thrown out at home to end the inning, and in the top of the fourth a Tim Elko two-run double put Kannapolis on top, according to a news release from the Augusta GreenJackets.
De Grandpre departed with two outs in the top of the sixth after striking out a career-high seven batters, but the two runners he left on base ended up scoring on a Troy Claunch RBI double with Jorge Bautista pitching. It marked the third straight outing of five or more innings for De Grandpre. In the sixth and seventh, the GreenJackets got the leadoff man aboard but were unable to drive any runs home.
In the top of the eighth, Troy Claunch hit a solo home run for Kannapolis to push the lead to 5-1. The GreenJackets got two men aboard in the eighth, but once again could not score. In the ninth, an error from Ambioris Tavarez allowed another run to score to make it 6-1 Ballers. Augusta ended up scoring just one run in a nine-inning game for the first time this month.
The GreenJackets remain at SRP Park for five more games against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. Braves No. 7 overall prospect Spencer Schwellenbach is scheduled to start Wednesday’s game. For tickets, information on promotions, and more, visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
