'Dogs Take Finale, 5-3
June 5, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Gnats (26-28) outhit Charleston on Friday night but still lost to the first-place 'Dogs, 5-3, in front of 2,133 at Historic Grayson Stadium. Three separate Sand Gnats registered three hits as Savannah outhit the RiverDogs, 12-7.
The Gnats had an opportunity to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh when they loaded the bases with two outs off reliever Dan Kapala. Back-to-back walks to Sean Ratliff and Josh Satin followed a Jefry Marte single to load the bases and bring Raul Reyes to the plate. Last year's RiverDogs closer Jonathan Ortiz was summoned from the 'pen to face Reyes and he retired him on a fly out to end the threat.
Things started out well for the Georgia boys in the first when the first five men reached base safely but some baserunning mistakes only allowed for one run to score. In the second, Rafael Fernandez singled in Matt Gaski from third to open up a, 2-0, lead.
Starter Elvin Ramirez (3-4) battled with his control through the first two innings but lost the battle in the third when the RiverDogs plated four runs on three hits and two Savannah errors. Ramirez went on to start the fourth but was removed with two away in favor of Michael Powers. The San Cristobal, D.R. native allowed five runs (two earned) on four hits with a season-high seven walks.
The bullpen was once again picture perfect for the Savannah club as Powers, Jake Goldberg and Samuel Martinez combined for 5.1 innings of three-hit relief. Each reliever allowed just one hit and struck out three to keep the Gnats close.
Fernandez, Jefry Marte and recently added catcher Ralph Henriquez all notched three-hit games for the Gnats. Marte has now hit safely in four straight contests and was 8-for-17 in the series against the RiverDogs.
Pat Venditte closed the door in the ninth for Charleston to earn his 17th save of the season while starter David Phelps (5-1) earned the win.
Savannah heads to Augusta for a three-game series beginning Saturday Lake Olmstead Stadium. Jeurys Familia (3-4, 2.92) will be on the hill for the 7:05 p.m. first pitch.
South Atlantic League Stories from June 5, 2009
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- Crawdads Fall Short in Greensboro, 5-3 - Hickory Crawdads
- 'Dogs Take Finale, 5-3 - Savannah Sand Gnats
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