(Story courtesy Augusta GreenJackets; photo by Mike Adams/Augusta Good News)
NORTH AUGUSTA– The Augusta GreenJackets (Atlanta Braves) once again featured the long ball against the Carolina Mudcats (Milwaukee Brewers), homering twice to take a 6-5 Wednesday victory at SRP Park. Augusta (29-30) jumped out to a five run lead after two innings, while the Mudcats (30-28) fell for their eighth straight loss.
After an hour-long rain delay, the No. 7 overall prospect in the Braves organization Spencer Schwellenbach got the start for Augusta, and the former Nebraska man was utterly dominant. He retired the first 10 batters he faced and struck out a career high six batters on the day, according to a new release from the Augusta GreenJackets.
In the bottom of the first, Ambioris Tavarez got hit by a pitch before Justin Janas doubled to left. With two aboard, Ethan Workinger hit a homer off the scoreboard in left field, making it three homers in two games and putting Augusta up 3-0. In the bottom of the second, with Janas and Tavarez aboard again, Workinger doubled to center to clear the bases. His five runs batted in this game matched E.J. Exposito on April 6th for the most by a GreenJacket in a single game this year.
The Mudcats pulled two runs back in the fourth on a groundout and a double steal, but in the fifth Augusta homered once again, this time the third of the series from Jeremy Celedonio. Workinger (11) and Celedonio (10) now rank second and third in the league in long balls.
Schwellenbach pitched through the sixth inning, only allowing two runs and striking out six while picking up his second career quality start. He was replaced by Nolan Martinez, who allowed two runs to score over two innings of work. Up 6-4 going into the ninth, Samuel Strickland entered for the save, and despite giving up a solo home run the lefty was able to shut the door. Strickland recorded his second save of the season. Schwellenbach improved to 3-2 in the win.
The GreenJackets established their new season low in strikeouts, only fanning five times over the course of the afternoon. Ambioris Tavarez marked a career best with three hits, reaching four times on the day.
The GreenJackets remain at home this coming week to take on the Carolina Mudcats (Milwaukee Brewers), including the Augusta Pimento Cheese game and Father’s Day. For tickets and information, click here: https://www.milb.com/augusta/fans/gj-homestand-preview.
