Flores Delivers Game-Winning Single In 11th
August 26, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The youngest member of the Sand Gnats squad delivered the game-winning hit Wednesday night in the bottom of the 11th inning as Wilmer Flores drove in Josh Satin to put Savannah in the win column by a score of, 4-3. It was the first hit of the night for the 18-year-old Flores and the 61st win of the season for the Sand Gnats.
Things looked grim heading into the ninth inning with Augusta up, 3-0, after scoring two runs in the top of the inning. Sean Ratliff, who finished the game 4-for-5 in his return to the lineup, started the inning with a single. Eric Campbell followed with a walk, his second of the game, before a Raul Reyes single into left-center field loaded the bases for Nick Giarraputo.
Giarraputo struck out but Joey August did not as he took the first pitch he saw from Ryan Verdugo and placed it on the chalk down the left field line to score a pair to bring the Gnats within two. A hit by newly called-up catcher Michael Moras re-loaded the bases for Josh Satin, who subsequently notched his first hit of the night and drove in Reyes to tie the game.
With the bases still loaded and just one out, Jose Jimenez struck out and Flores grounded into a fielder's choice that sent the game to extras. Savannah threatened again in the 10th, getting Ratliff to third but August this time grounded out to first to end the threat.
It was Moras starting the game-ending rally in the 11th with some help from GreenJackets first baseman Josh Mazzola, who dropped a throw from Charlie Culberson to allow Moras to reach on an error. Satin followed with a sacrifice bunt attempt that saw Moras thrown out at second and ended with Satin on first. A Jimenez walk set up the walk-off hit for Flores.
Edwin Quirarte (6-3) suffered the loss in relief for Augusta even though Justin Fitzgerald gave up the game-winning hit as Satin's run was charged to Quirarte. John Church (1-2)
Lost in the extra-innings game were the outings from each of the starting pitchers. Andrew Reichard threw seven scoreless innings and allowed just four Savannah hits with seven strikeouts while Gnats' starter Robert Carson allowed one run on four hits with four strikeouts.
The 61st win now ties the mark set by the 2008 club, who went 61-76. If they can win 62, it would be the most during the Mets era in Savannah.
After two extra-inning games, these two teams will play the rubber match tomorrow at 7 p.m. on the final Thirsty Thursday of the season. It's UGA night presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes with special appearances by former Georgia players David Greene and Matt Stinchcomb.
Savannah sends Armando Rodriguez to the hill to make his first full-season start while Augusta counters with Mike Loree (8-8). For tickets and more information, visit www.sandgnats.com or call 912.351.9150.
South Atlantic League Stories from August 26, 2009
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