Augusta GreenJackets starter Mike Musgrave allowed just two earned runs in his past two starts combined - both GreenJackets wins - but the right-hander didn't factor into the decision in either game.
Musgrave's teammates seemed to give him enough run support Monday night when he left the game with a three-run lead after six solid innings of work, but a shaky eighth inning left Musgrave with another no decision.
Rome Braves reliever Zach Schreiber and right fielder Ivan Terrazas each had an error on the same pickoff attempt to allow Jason Columbus to score from first base to give the GreenJackets a 6-5 win at Lake Olmstead Stadium.
The win moved GreenJackets into a first-place tie with the Charleston RiverDogs, who lost 6-1 to the last-place Columbus Catfish.
GreenJackets Closer Brian Wilson recovered from a blown save to earn his third win, while Schreiber got the loss.
Columbus led off the ninth inning with a walk. Augusta manager Roberto Kelly sent pinch hitter Steve Holm to the plate to sacrifice Columbus to second, but there was no need. Schreiber's pickoff attempt at first sailed passed first baseman Ben Thomas.
Terrazas got the ball and threw to third, where it got by Van Pope, allowing the 6-foot-6, 230-pound Columbus to come all the way around to score.
Musgrave allowed two runs on six hits and two walks, but Adam Gardner and Wilson combined to give up three runs in the eighth to tie the game.
Gardner walked the first two batters he faced in the inning, so manager Roberto Kelly went to closer Brian Wilson in the hopes of getting a two-inning save. Wilson retired the first two batters he faced, but Cole Armstrong singled up the middle of the infield to drive in one run. Second baseman Aaron Hornostaj saved a run by making a diving stop on the hit.
The GreenJackets got hurt on another infield hit, this one to third by Keith Eichas, scoring one run. Simon Klink made a nice play on the ball, but threw into the dirt and past Columbus to allow the tying run to score.
Wilson got out of the inning on a bizarre play. Terrazas hit what appeared to be a foul ball, but home plate umpire Clint Lawson ruled it fair and Augusta catcher Nick Conte tagged Terrazas, who was still standing in the batter's box, out to end the inning.
It could have been a better night for Augusta's offense, but the GreenJackets stranded six runners in scoring position, 10 overall.
Reach Kristy Shonka at (706) 823-3216 or kristy.shonka@augustachronicle.com.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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