April 23rd, 2024
Augusta, GA- The Carolina Mudcats (12-3) went into Augusta to play the Augusta GreenJackets (7-8) in a 6 game series. Going into the week, the Mudcats were 8-1 looking to continue their amazing start to the season. The Mudcats would get help from their pitching to win 3 straight games where they only allowed 3 runs. The bats would come through on Saturday getting 9 runs to power past Augusta. The Mudcats would fall short on Tuesday and Sunday.
On Tuesday, the Mudcats struggles would continue as they fell short 7-5 in the opening game. The GreenJackets would score 6 runs in the sixth inning to get the win. The Mudcats would score 5 runs during the 7th and 8th but that would not be enough to rally past Augusta. The winning pitcher would be Cade Kuehler while Manuel Rodriguez would get his 2nd loss of the year. Giomer Diaz would get the save for his performance in the 9th inning.
On Wednesday, the Mudcats responded with a 7-3 win over the Green Jackets. A 4 run inning in the 4th featured a Miguel Briceno triple and a Kay-Lan Nicasia home run. The Mudcats would tack on 2 insurance runs in the 9th to make their lead 7-3. The Mudcats bullpen would slam the door after 3 runs in the first 3 innings. Bayden Root would receive the win while Davis Polo would be the losing pitcher.
The Mudcats continued their momentum on Thursday with a 4-3 win. The Mudcats offense was powered by a 3-run home run by Luis Castillo in the first inning. Augusta would fight back to tie the game at 3-3. Then, in the 8th inning the Mudcats would take a 4-3 lead on a Yophery Rodriguez single. Yujanyer Herrera would receive the win while Beau Philip received the loss. Jeferson Figueroa received a save for his performance in the 9th inning.
The Mudcats would need a late rally to win 5-3 on Friday in Augusta. The Mudcats offense put together a 5 run 9th inning to overcome a 3 run deficit. The highlight of the rally was a grand slam by Y. Rodriguez with 1 out. Aidan Maldonado received the win for 2 scoreless innings while LJ McDonough received the loss. Harrison Durow was credited with the save for his performance in the 9th.
The Mudcats would get a 9-7 win over Augusta on Saturday. The offense was very spread out as most innings had at least 1 run scored. The highlight for the Mudcats was a 4 run 7th inning. Castillo added a solo home run in the 6th inning. Morris Austin received the win while Adel Dilone received the loss. Root was credited with save for his 1.1 innings.
The Mudcats fell short in the Sunday game with a 3-1 loss in 6 innings. The Mudcats only run of the day came on an error by the catcher. Yorman Galindez threw 4 innings without allowing any runs or hits. The winning pitcher was Riley Frey while Osbriel Mogollon received the loss. Luis Vargas was credited with the save.
The Mudcats return home to play the Salem Red Sox (6-9) this week. This will be a 6 game series April 23rd-Sunday April 28th. The Mudcats go into the week hold a 3 game lead in the North Division.