(Story courtesy the Augusta GreenJackets)
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — The GreenJackets couldn’t get out of their own way, committing seven errors in the eight defensive frames played in a 3-1 loss to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at Atrium Health Ballpark.
The seven-error day was the most by any team in MiLB this season, and most by the GreenJackets since they became a Braves affiliate in 2021.
Despite the defensive woes, GreenJackets pitching was solid all night, stranding 11 runners and refusing to allow an earned run. Cade Kuehler took a hard-luck loss after giving up a pair of unearned runs over four innings, where he also struck out seven in his 2024 debut.
Riley Frey piggybacked behind Kuehler, firing a pair of hitless innings that saw another unearned run come in to score in the sixth to extend the Kannapolis lead to 3-0. Righties Giomar Diaz and LJ McDonough both fired scoreless frames at the back end to keep the deficit where it was.
Offensively, the GreenJackets couldn’t piece together anything until the eighth, Kannapolis starter Drew McDaniel fired five scoreless frames with five strikeouts, a number matched by reliever Bryce Collins in just a pair of half innings. Augusta finally got on the board in the inning thanks to an infield single from Diego Benitez, but reliever Nate Altermatt struck out Drew Compton and Will Verdung to strand the tying runs at second and third.
Altogether, GreenJacket hitters struck out 14 times in 27 outs, tied for their highest number this season. McDaniel earned his first win of the year, while Garrett Wright earned his second save in as many tries at the back end of the Kannapolis bullpen.
Wednesday is an early morning start, with first pitch slated for 11:05 a.m., as the Cannon Ballers host their first Education Day of the season. Righty Davis Polo is expected to make his GreenJackets debut on the mound, while Kannapolis will counter with Jake Peppers, making his first full-season start after appearing in four short outings in the Arizona Complex League in 2023.
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