Jaguars bounce back to take series over Georgia College
By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief
After a tough opening loss, the Augusta University baseball team flipped the script in a big way, using explosive offense and timely responses to secure an 11-4 win in game two and a 12-7 victory in the rubber match to take the weekend series over Georgia College.
The weekend did not start in Augusta’s favor. The Bobcats came out aggressive in game one, stringing together extra-base hits early and capitalizing on free passes to build momentum. Despite a solo home run from Roland Chance and RBI contributions from Jakob Cowart and Aidan Cannaday, the Jaguars struggled to keep pace. GCSU steadily extended their lead and broke the game open late, causing to a 13-3 run-rule win in seven innings.
But Augusta’s response in game two told a completely different story.
Caleb Jatko (32) throws a heater down the middle during his start on Saturday. After the win, Jatko is now 5-3 on the season. (photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
The Jaguars jumped on the board early and never looked back, showcasing their power at the plate. Nathan Martin, Landon Leonard and Nolan Turner all left the yard as the Jags powered their way to an 11-4 win. After Georgia College briefly took the lead in the middle innings, Augusta answered with a four-run outburst fueled by timely hitting and a costly Bobcat error. Turner delivered one of the standout performances of the series, finishing a double shy of the cycle and scoring three runs.
On the mound, Caleb Jatko provided stability, while Jameson Whittier shut the door over the final four innings to secure the win and his first save of the season.
With the series on the line in game three, the Jaguars delivered they most complete performance of the weekend.
Augusta struck first and continued to respond every time the Bobcats threatened. After falling behind in the sixth inning, the Jags erupted for a decisive rally. Turner sparked the surge with a game-tying RBI double before Harris Bachelder reached on an error that allowed the go-ahead run to score. KJ Moon and Jake Vachon followed with key contributions as the Jaguars plated multiple runs in the inning to regain control.
Augusta continued to add insurance runs late, highlighted by Turner’s second homer of the series- his sixth of the season. The senior from Gainesville leads the team in batting average at .400 and is first in the conference for slugging percentage (.680). By the eight inning, the Jags had built a comfortable lead. Although Georgia College added two late home runs in the ninth, Augusta maintained control to secure a 12-7 victory to clinch the series win.
Across the final two games, Augusta’s offense proved to be the diference. The Jaguars combined for 23 runs, delivering in key moments and consistently answering the Bobcat’s rallies.
The Jaguars offense is led by Moon, who leads the conference in home runs with 9 on the season, Turner, and Aidan Cannaday, who leads the conference in OPS (1.202).
With the series win, the Jaguars improve to 15-14, 11-7 in conference play, and they sit at fifth, right behind rivals USC Aiken.
The team now turns its attention to Due West, SC, as they will play Erskine College on Tuesday, March 24, before heading back to Augusta on Wednesday, March 25, to face USC Aiken in the annual Battle for the Paddle game at SRP Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Tickets are still available online.
Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.
Nolan Turner (7) and Harris Bachelder (41) celebrate Turner’s home run after he crossed home plate. At the top of the page, Turner (7) blasts a homer to center field. (photos by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
