AUGUSTA, GA– The Augusta University baseball team dropped a 5-3 contest to the University of West Georgia Friday evening in the season opener.
 
In the bottom of the first, Dylan Wanat grounded out to score last year's PBC Freshman of the Year Kyle Lodise.
 
After a walk, Lodise advanced to second and then scored a run off an error from West Georgia's pitcher. After scoring a run in the fourth, West Georgia singled on the sixth pitch of the at-bat in the fifth inning to even the score at 2-2. A single to center field gave the Wolves a 3-2 advantage in the sixth inning.
 
A double from the visiting team in the top of the seventh inning gave West Georgia another score. The Wolves would tack on their final score in the ninth inning. Newcomer Brady Laughren homered in the bottom of the ninth inning, but AU would fall 5-3.
 
Mason Bernard started on the mound for Augusta. Bernard allowed six hits for two runs over five innings of work while striking out four batters. Robert Hunt (0-1) and Brayden Howigren also saw time on the bump for AU.
 
Seven different Jaguars carded a hit in the game. Laughren and Wanat each drove in one run for the Jaguars. Lodise was a highlight, stealing three bases.
 
Augusta will host West Georgia on Saturday, Feb 3 for a non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is slated for 1 pm.
 
Live stats and video will be available at augustajags.com

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