Augusta University Athletics hosts 'Under the Lights' alumni baseball game
By Patrick Motes | Sports writer
The Augusta University baseball and softball teams hosted an alumni baseball game on Sept. 24 at Jaguar Field to show off their new LED stadium lights.
This was an opportunity for friends and family to come out and enjoy the new facilities that were put in place this past summer.
Augusta baseball senior Britt Kelly, redshirt junior Mike Morrison and senior Kyle LaRoche were interviewed to get their thoughts on how important these lights are to the team and for the future.
One of the biggest stories to come out of these facility upgrades is the ability to now host night games.
“It’s going to be awesome for the community and the school to come out and support us during this upcoming season,” said Kelly, a left-handed pitcher from Roswell.
Part of this fun-filled night was having former baseball and softball players come out and play under these new lights.
“For all the people who are participating, they are the ones who put in the hard work and paved the way for this program, and are being recognized tonight as they play under these lights,” said LaRoche, a catcher from Brunswick.
AU also prides itself on exceptional academic performances from their student athletes. Morrison, a catcher from Salem, Va., discussed the importance for athletes with tougher majors and more demanding academic schedules. The lighted fields will allow for more flexible practice times. Morrison also mentioned how hard midday practices can be on the athletes’ academic schedules.
AU baseball defeated Gordon State in a pair of scrimmages on Sept. 29. The Jaguars won the nine-inning game 8-5 and the five-inning contest 5-0. The offensive leaders for Augusta were Brady Laughren, Kyle Lodise, Parker Ingram and Koby Ayala. The pitching was solid in the opener and outstanding in the second game.
“We attacked the zone and stayed ahead in counts so we didn’t give them a chance to have long at bats,” Kelly said.
Contact Patrick Motes at jomotes@augusta.edu.
AD Ryan Erlacher (center) talks to the crowd at the alumni game. Behind him on the left are AU President Brooks Keel and Augustus; on the right are AU baseball coach Chris Howell and softball coach Melissa Brocato. At the top of the page, the lights give both teams a chance to practice and host games at night. (photos by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)
