Two-Out Offense Propels Wood Ducks Over GreenJackets

For Immediate Release:

GreenJackets Media Contact:

Noah Adcock-Howeth

(803) 349-9411

[email protected]

Two-Out Offense Propels Wood Ducks Over GreenJackets

Five of Six Down East Runs Score with Two Outs in Second Straight Win

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: A consistent barrage of hits from the Wood Ducks seemed to only increase with two outs, as Down East clubbed 15 hits and outpaced the GreenJackets 6-2 at SRP Park.

Looking to end their skid, the GreenJackets entrusted the start to Didier Fuentes, who has been one of the most dominant starters on the roster all year long. Fuentes started off aggressively, attacking with fastballs and overmatching the Down East offense as he struck out six men in his first three innings.

The middle innings were less kind to the ‘Jackets, as Fuentes ran into trouble in the 4^th. With two down and a man at second, Fuentes hung a two-strike slider to Pablo Guerrero, who celebrated his 18^th birthday in style by crushing a two-run blast over the concourse to give the Wood Ducks an early lead. An Esteban Mejia double and Chandler Pollard single would follow, adding an extra tally before the 4^th concluded.

Augusta’s offense would answer somewhat in the bottom half against starter Kyle Larsen, returning to the Wood Duck roster after over a month in the Arizona Complex League. Junior Garcia worked a leadoff walk, advanced to third on a Harry Owen double, and scored on a grounder from Luis Sanchez to get Augusta on the board before Larsen escaped the frame.

Down East would waste no time answering themselves, placing men at first and second within three batters. A fly out garnered out number two, but Julian Brock and Yeremi Cabrera each punched RBI singles through the middle to chase Fuentes from the game, handing him five earned runs and a losing decision on his way.

The GreenJackets retaliated once more in the 5^th against sidearm reliever Luke Savage, who was greeted coldly with back to back doubles from Noah Williams and Willmer De La Cruz, who reached base in all 3 plate appearances in his GreenJacket debut. Augusta once again left a man in scoring position, and would not score again in the contest as Savage, Alberto Mota, and Adonis Villavicencio combined for four straight zeroes to ice the win.

Albert Rivas impressed in relief for Augusta, stranding both inherited runners left by Fuentes and working two scoreless innings of his own in his 5^th appearance of the year. Giomar Diaz struck out 3 in the 8^th, but had his scoreless inning streak snapped at nine when Echedry Vargas led off the 9^th with his second homer in as many days, adding insurance and placing a cherry on top of the 6^thconsecutive win for the Wood Ducks. All nine hitters reached base for Down East for the second consecutive game, with the Wood Ducks now having 5 long balls in two games at SRP Park this week.

Tomorrow Adam Maier returns to the mound for his first appearance in nearly six weeks to bring this franchise-long losing streak to a close. Maier will face off against fellow righty Wilian Bormie for the Wood Ducks, who will be followed by piggyback arm Kolton Curtis. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05, and tickets are available online at greenjacketsbaseball.com or at the box office at SRP Park.

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single-A affiliate Atlanta Braves. 2024 Augusta GreenJackets Full, Half and 20-game season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to lock in your seat to cheer on the Braves of tomorrow, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

For team merchandise or more information visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com. Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball" development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class "A" office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

About Diamond Baseball Holdings

Founded in 2021, Diamond Baseball Holdings is committed to elevating fan experiences, creating “centers of energy,” fostering dynamic engagements for brands and highlighting the evolution of the Minor League Baseball environment. It is grounded in a deep-rooted appreciation for traditions, community and the sport of baseball. For more information visit diamond**baseballholdings.com**.