Some things can only happen during a winning streak.
The Augusta GreenJackets picked up another come-from-behind win 6-4 on Thursday night in front of 3,615 fans at Lake Olmstead Stadium.
The victory over the Columbus Catfish came on three two-out RBI singles in a row by Thomas Neal, Garrett Baker and Angel Villalona, the No. 4, 5 and 6 hitters in the GreenJackets' lineup, in the seventh inning to overcome a 4-3 deficit.
"I think our concentration has been a lot better," GreenJackets manager Andy Skeels said. "We're understanding being able to string hits together is important."
The GreenJackets (20-15) won their ninth consecutive game, which is their longest winning streak since last year's 12-game run to start the season.
Villalona, a 17-year old prospect from the Dominican Republic, homered in his first at bat and finished 2-for-4 with two RBI.
Just before Villalona's RBI single in the seventh, Columbus pitcher Austin Hinkle nearly nailed him in the head with a high, inside pitch. Villalona took the next pitch, an outside breaking ball, to the opposite field.
Augusta scored in each of the first three innings, including Villalona's home run to lead off the bottom of the second. The GreenJackets led 3-1 until the Catfish (14-20) added a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth to tie the game and knock out starter Craig Clark.
Reliever Andrew De La Garza (2-0) got the win after pitching 2Q hitless innings. Daniel Otero converted his fourth consecutive save opportunity.
Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.
GAME REPORT
AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS 6, COLUMBUS CATFISH 4
STAR OF THE GAME: GreenJackets first baseman Angel Villalona went 2-for-4 with two RBI, including a home run to help the home team win its ninth game in a row.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Villalona turned a key double play with the bases loaded and no outs in the fifth inning to keep a two-run Catfish inning from getting worse.
NEXT: 7:05 tonight, Columbus at Augusta
MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF
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