Jackets sink Catfish

If you're ever at Lake Olmstead Stadium and the Augusta GreenJackets are losing, don't leave the ballpark.

If you do, there's a good chance you'll miss a little drama in the ninth inning.

The GreenJackets have played 17 home games this season. After Saturday's 4-3 win against the Columbus Catfish, they've won 13 of them. The GreenJackets won six of those in the bottom of the ninth inning.

"We've got a lot of confidence," said leading hitter Brian Horwitz, who tied the game with a single in the seventh inning. "I think that's pretty obvious right now."

Of the six games they've played during their current eight-game homestand, the GreenJackets have won five - four in the bottom of the ninth, including three in a row.

When you combine Augusta's penchant for drama and Columbus' penchant for blowing saves (nine on the season, two in a row), things look good for the GreenJackets, who lead the series 2-0 with two games left.

"As soon as we get out of that starting rotation and we get to each team's bullpen, I think our guys just turn it on and get it done," Augusta starter Mike Musgrave said.

The GreenJackets (23-13) scored once on starter Blake Johnson, snapping his scoreless streak at 20 innings. But the real damage was done against the Catfish's bullpen - and all the GreenJackets had to do was not swing at bad pitches.

"The ninth inning comes around and guys are getting on base somehow, some way, and we're getting opportunities to score," said Simon Klink, who picked up his second game-winning RBI in three games.

Catfish reliever Kyle Wilson struck out the first two batters to start the ninth, but then struggled to find the strikezone. Marcus Sanders drew a walk and went to third after an errant pickoff attempt. Then Mike Wagner drew a walk, so the Catfish intentionally walked Horwitz to load the bases.

And Klink did what any good batter would do when he saw a game-winning RBI being delivered to him. He stood there and let Wilson's pitch hit him, allowing Sanders to score the winning run.

"It's an easy RBI, I guess," Klink said. "A lot easier than hitting it."

Augusta reliever Caleb Salankey (4-2) got the win with two perfect innings of relief, while Musgrave got a no decision after giving up three runs on seven hits in seven innings - his longest outing of the season. He didn't record a strike out, but induced five double-play balls.

Reach Kristy Shonka at (706) 823-3216 or kristy.shonka@augustachronicle.com.

KEY PLAY: Brian Horwitz's single to left field tied the game in the seventh.

TODAY'S GAME: 2:15, Catfish at GreenJackets.