May 7, 2008

Augusta, GA – The Augusta GreenJackets (19-15) opened a four game series against the Columbus Catfish (14-19) with a 4-3 win on Wednesday night and extended their season high win streak to eight games. Joe Paterson picked up the win in relief and James Simmons drove in what proved to be the winning run.

Simmons came through in the eighth inning with a two-out RBI single scoring Francisco Peguero from second base for a 4-3 Augusta lead. Angel Villalona began the inning with a walk then was lifted as Peguero came in as a pinch runner. Jackson Williams then sacrificed Peguero over to second base.

Paterson (4-1) recorded his team leading fourth win with two-thirds of an inning worked. The lefty got the final two outs in the eighth inning.

Daniel Otero pitched a perfect ninth recording two strikeouts for his sixth save of the season.

Augusta led 3-0 after four innings but the Catfish plated three runs in the fifth inning to tie the game at 3-3. Omar Luna connected for a two-run single then with two-outs Shawn O’Mally came through with an RBI single.

The GreenJackets got RBI base hits in the first inning from Garrett Baker and Andrew Davis for an early 2-0 lead. Shane Jordan and Nick Noonan both scored after working back-to-back walks.

Augusta made it 3-0 in the fourth inning on a two-out RBI triple from Charlie Culberson.

The GreenJackets and Catfish continue their series Thursday night. Augusta sends lefty Craig Clark (2-0, 2.52) to the mound while Columbus counters with Josh Johnson (1-3, 4.97). First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

Game Notes:

Augusta is four games over the .500 mark, the high water mark for the season.

The GreenJackets have won eight straight games for the first time since opening the 2007 season with 12 straight wins.

Starter T.J. Brewer worked six innings for Augusta and allowed three runs, two earned, on eight hits. The right-hander did not walk a batter and struck out one.

Daniel Otero has not allowed a run over his 14.1 innings pitched this season.

Augusta moved to 5.5 games back of first place Charleston in the Southern Division.