Sand Gnats 5, Green Jackets 6
The Sand Gnats jumped out to an early lead over the Augusta Green Jackets in last night’s contest. They started off the game with three straight hits and jumped out to a two run lead in the first inning. Chad Zurcher led off the game withe a double, and was quickly driven in on a line drive base hit to left field by Brandon Nimmo. Nimmo advanced to second base on an errant pick-off attempt, and then Jayce Boyd drove him in on a base hit to center field.
The Gnats added another run in the third inning and were able to hold that lead until the seventh. Gnats starter Logan Taylor had a very strong outing, pitching five innings, giving up no runs on four hits. He struck out five batters and walked none. Matthew Koch came in to relief and picked up right where Taylor left off in the fifth inning. However, the seventh inning was another story. Augusta scored all six of their runs in the seventh, but only one run was credited as an earned run. The weird thing is, Koch was the player who made the error that led to five unearned runs. Koch picked up the loss after surrendering six runs on four hits.
Zurcher had a great day at the plate, smacking two doubles and driving in two runs. He brought his average up to .294 on the season. Nimmo showed off his wheels in the fifth inning, beating out a throw to earn a bunt base hit. It was Nimmo’s fourth multi-hit game, and he now has a hit in every game this year. Kevin Plawecki had a quiet night, and it was his first game this year where he didn’t get a hit.
The most impressive stat of the night is credited to the Gnats pitching staff, who did not walk a single Augusta batter.
Key Stats
- Chad Zurcher – 2 for 4, R, BB, 2 2B, RBI
- Brandon Nimmo – 2 for 4, R, BB, RBI
- Jayce Boyd – 1 for 3, 2 RBI, 2 BB
- Logan Taylor – 5 IP, 4H, 0 R, 5 K
