Turner's late homer propels Jaguars to doubleheader split with Saint Leo

By Davis T. Harley | Sports writer

After Saint Leo beat Augusta University 14-1 in the season opener on Friday afternoon, Jan. 30, the Jaguars got a late two-run homer from shortstop Nolan Turner to win the second game of the doubleheader 6-4.

Saint Leo jumped out early in the opener and never looked back behind an explosive early stretch and consistent offensive pressure throughout the first four innings.

The tone was set immediately in the top of the first. Senior outfielder Thomas DeBrower sparked the game with a leadoff double. After a hit by pitch, senior infielder Roberto Crivello drove a double into right-center to plate two runs. Junior catcher Ryan Jackson followed with an RBI single, and senior outfielder Dylan Mass worked a bases-loaded walk to cap a four-run opening inning for Saint Leo.

Augusta answered in the bottom half of the first. Junior outfielder Jakob Cowart reached base, and junior catcher Matty Go later scored on an error, trimming the deficit to 4-1. That would be the lone run for the Jaguars, as Saint Leo’s pitching staff quickly settled in.

The Lions widened the gap in the second inning, taking advantage of defensive miscues and timely power. Crivello scored on an error, senior outfielder Luis Rivero added a sacrifice fly, and Jackson delivered the biggest blow with a two-run home run to make it 8-1. Saint Leo stayed aggressive in the third, with DeBrower driving in another run and junior outfielder Noah Delgado clearing the bases with a two-run double, pushing the lead to 11-1.

The fourth inning erased any doubt. Jackson scored on a double from junior catcher Abrahan Rios, Mass followed with an RBI double of his own, and junior utility player Colton Musgrave brought in another run with a groundout as the Lions extended the lead to 14-1.

Augusta had chances to respond, collecting hits from Cowart, Turner and junior outfielder Jake Vachon, but could not string together sustained offense. Saint Leo’s bullpen closed the door, allowing just one hit over the final three innings.

Despite the lopsided score, the Jaguars continued to compete defensively and on the mound late, while Saint Leo showcased depth, discipline and efficiency. The result highlighted Saint Leo’s fast start and balanced attack.

The Jaguars bounced back dramatically in the second game.

Saint Leo struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to take an early 1-0 lead. Augusta responded immediately in the bottom half of the first, as Cowart doubled to right-center and later scored on a wild pitch to even the score. The early exchange set the tone for a tightly contested game that remained close throughout the middle innings.

The Lions regained the lead in the second when Rios doubled to drive in a run, making it 2-1. Augusta continued to pressure Saint Leo pitching, and in the third inning Turner reached base and advanced into scoring position before junior outfielder Davis Newman delivered an RBI double to tie the game at 2-2.

Both pitching staffs settled in over the next two frames, as neither team allowed a run in the fourth or fifth innings. Defensive execution and situational pitching kept the game deadlocked heading into the late innings.

Saint Leo broke through again in the sixth, using a combination of singles, walks and an error to score two unearned runs and take a 4-2 advantage. The Lions appeared to have momentum, but Augusta answered in the bottom of the inning. Junior infielder Roland Chance singled to start the rally, and junior catcher Matthew Thigpen, pinch-hitting, delivered a key double. Junior infielder Nate Martin followed with a two-run single to tie the game at 4-4.

The decisive moment came in the bottom of the seventh. With Matthewson Go aboard, Turner launched a two-run home run to right field, giving Augusta its first lead at 6-4.

Turner went 3-for-4 in the second game after going 2-for-4 in the opener. The shortstop was named to the Peach Belt Conference preseason first team.

From there, Augusta’s bullpen locked in. The Jaguars retired Saint Leo in order in the seventh and worked out of trouble in the eighth before senior right-hander Eli Durnell closed the door in the ninth with a clean inning.

AU coach Chris Howell said the team’s response in the second game reflected its resilience.

“I thought it was a bounce-back game for us. We didn’t meet our standard in the first game,” Howell said. “Our guys stayed level-headed and went out ready to play the second game, and I saw it in all parts of the game. We clicked. Nice job by our guys.”

Sophomore left-hander Ty Cobb played a key role late on the mound, earning praise from Howell for his composure.

“He’s a great arm for us, especially in a big-time moment,” Howell said. “What I saw was him competing. I love him for it, and he needed to get that zero for us. It was huge.”

Sunday’s scheduled game against Saint Leo was canceled due to the expected inclement winter weather in the Augusta area. Howell said the team will follow weather-related regulations and take advantage of the break.

“We’re going to weather watch, probably build some snowmen and hang out. It won’t be too serious,” Howell said. “I’m proud of our guys for playing two games today, and I know they’ll be excited for the two days off.”

The Jaguars will host Erskine on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 3 p.m.

Contact Davis T. Harley at dharley@augusta.edu.

AU right-hander Caleb Jatko went six innings and struck out four as the Jaguars defeated Saint Leo 6-4 in the second game of a doubleheader on Jan. 30. At the top of the page, Nolan Turner (7) had the big hit, a two-run homer in bottom of the seventh inning to give Augusta the lead for good. (photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)