Bats stay hot as Augusta rolls to three-game sweep

By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in Chief

The Augusta University baseball team made a statement on the road this weekend, completing a three-game sweep over USC Beaufort and staying perfect in Peach Belt Conference play.

Friday: Offensive Depth Sets the Tone in 12-5 Win

After surrendering a run in the first inning, the Jaguars wasted no time flipping the momentum. In the third, Ryan Patrick crossed the plate to spark a three-run response, and Nolan Turner ripped an RBI double to put Augusta in control. A wild pitch later in the inning stretched the lead to 3-1.

The bats never cooled.

Patrick and Jakob Cowart added RBI singles in the fourth, and the Jaguars broke things open in the fifth. Roland Chance doubled home Aiden Cannaday, Kent Moon followed with an RBI single, and Patrick delivered again to cap off an eight-run cushion.

USC Beaufort answered with three runs in the bottom half of the fifth, but Cannaday’s two-run homer in the seventh and Turner’s two-run single in the eighth slammed the door.

Turner finished with three hits and three RBI, while Patrick collected four hits in a standout performance at the plate.

On the mound, Tyler Zawacki earned his second win of the season, and Patrick Matsunaga shut things down late with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts.

Saturday: Jatko Goes the Distance in 7-3 Victory

Game two belonged to Caleb Jatko.

The right-hander tossed a complete game, allowing just five hits and striking out eight. Of the three runs he surrendered, only one was earned, as he improved to 2-0 on the season.

Roland Chance got the scoring started in the second inning with a two-run blast, and Kent Moon answered Beaufort’s push in the fourth with a two-run homer of his own to give Augusta the lead for good.

The Jaguars tacked on insurance runs in the sixth and eighth innings, capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely hitting. Davis Newman and Aidan Cannaday each added RBI as Augusta secured the series win.

Sunday: 18-Hit Explosion Completes the Sweep

If there was any doubt left, Sunday erased it.

Augusta erupted for 15 runs on 18 hits, scoring nine runs across the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to pull away for good.

Nolan Turner delivered one of the most complete performances of the weekend, recording four hits, including a double and triple, scoring three times and driving in a run. Cannaday continued his hot streak with three RBI, while Kent Moon reached base repeatedly, scoring four runs and adding two RBI.

The Jaguars scored in nearly every way possible: bases-loaded balks, hit-by-pitches, fielder’s choices, and extra-base hits. Nine different players recorded hits in the finale, showcasing the depth that has fueled Augusta’s early conference success.

Jameson Whittier picked up the win in relief, tossing four strong innings and allowing just three hits.

With the sweep, Augusta improves to 6-0 in Peach Belt Conference play and 10-5 overall. The Jaguars now turn their attention to Shorter once again as they hit the road Tuesday looking to keep the momentum rolling

Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu..

Aiden Cannaday (14) takes a swing during the game against Shorter earlier in the week. The senior from Fuquay Varina, NC continued his hot streak of offensive production this weekend against the Landsharks.

At the top of the page, Nolan Turner (7) squares up to the ball during a tough at-bat. (photos by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)