Greensboro Grasshoppers Oust Augusta GreenJackets 3-1 in Opener

MLN - THE RAW FEED - www.mlntherawfeed.com - Augusta, GA – The 2008 season for Augusta opened on Thursday night with a 3-1 loss to the Greensboro Grasshoppers.  Daryl Maday suffered the loss and three errors led to three runs for Greensboro as the Grasshoppers spoiled the GreenJackets Home Opener.  
 
The Grasshoppers took a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning with the help of two errors by Augusta.  Mike Stanton led off the inning reaching on a fielding error from shortstop Charlie Culberson.  Stanton then moved to third on a two base throwing error from Maday (0-1) on a pickoff attempt.  Thomas Hickman connected for a one out RBI sac-fly to right to tie the game at 1-1.  
 
Tyler Belcher followed with a double to chase Maday from the game.  Emilio Ontiveros came up next and connected for an RBI base hit on the first pitch he saw from Daniel Turpen for a 2-1 Greensboro lead.  
 
Maday worked 2.2 innings and allowed two unearned runs on two hits in the loss.  Maday did not walk a batter and struck out three.
 

ADVERTISEMENT Greensboro added a single run in the ninth inning for a 3-1 lead, again helped out by an error.  Adam Howard had a one out single then scored when right-fielder Francisco Peguero misplayed a base hit off the bat of Hickman.  
 
The GreenJackets took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a two-out RBI single from Thomas Neal.  James Simmons led off the inning with a base hit then stole second base and third base.  
 
Augusta starter Steven Calicutt worked four shutout innings for Augusta allowing just two hits, one walk and three strikeouts.  
 
Reliever Shawn Phillips recorded the win for Greensboro working three shutout innings and allowing just one hit.  
 
Opening weekend continues on Friday night with Augusta sending right-hander Oliver Odle to the hill.  The Grasshoppers will send right-hander Cristhian Martinez.  First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.
 
Game Notes:
 
Augusta last lost its home opener in 2003, also the last time Augusta opened the season at home.
 
Thursday night’s loss was Augusta’s first season opening loss since 2005
 

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