(Story courtesy Augusta GreenJackets. File photo of Jhancarlos Lara by Mike Adams/Augusta Good News)
NORTH AUGUSTA – The Augusta GreenJackets took a tough 9-3 loss from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on a rainy night at SRP Park July 5.
Myrtle Beach (5-6, 44-32) scored the first nine runs of the contest, while Augusta (6-5, 37-39) was one-hit through the first seven innings.
The game began with a 35-minute rain delay as a result of early showers. The GreenJackets’ grounds crew worked tremendously to get the field playable after the deluge, with first pitch just after 7:40. The Pelicans took an early 1-0 lead after back to back hits to begin the game off of Augusta starter Jhancarlos Lara. Augusta was stymied by Pelicans starter Drew Gray, who made his second start of the year and went three innings without allowing a hit.
Myrtle Beach added to their lead with a two-run double in the top of the fourth, taking a 3-0 lead and chasing Lara after four full innings. The GreenJackets got an infield single from Ambioris Tavarez, but that would be their only base hit through the first seven innings. Myrtle Beach added three runs apiece in the sixth and seventh to triple the lead to 9-0.
Jason Franks was the standout arm for Augusta, going 2.1 innings and striking out four while not allowing a run. Augusta brought in their lone run of the game onTavarez’s solo homer in the eighth and two more from a Tyler Collins double in the ninth, but it would be too little, too late.
The GreenJackets are home for the remainder of the week, taking on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Chicago Cubs)! Promotions include a fireworks show on Saturday, Faith and Family night, an appearance from Braves mascot Blooper, and more.To purchase tickets and learn more about this week’s homestand, visit https://www.milb.com/augusta/fans/gj-homestand-preview.
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