Gnats can't get offense goin in loss
Published on June 24, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Jose Mejias and Austin Hinkle tossed four scoreless innings of relief and the Sand Gnats were held without a run after the first inning as the Catfish took a 3-2 decision on Military Appreciation Night at Historic Grayson Stadium.
The Gnats (2-4) offense was alive in the first, scoring a pair of runs off Brian Flores to take an early lead. Greg Veloz scored the first run when Juan Lagares grounded into a double play. With two away, the Gnats rallied with three straight singles to score the second run. The third base hit from Nick Giarraputo scored Jose Jimenez to make it 2-0.
Columbus (4-0) fought back in the second, scoring a pair of Maikel Cleto. After loading the bases with no outs, the Catfish manufactured two runs on a Stephen Vogt groundout and a sacrifice fly from Michael McCormick to tie the game at two.
The decisive run came in the fifth, as Columbus scored without recording a hit. McCormick led off with a walk and took second on a wild pitch from Cleto. A groundout moved McCormick to third before a second wild pitch from Cleto allowed McCormick to score the eventual winning run.
Cleto (2-5) tossed 7.0 innings for the fourth time in five starts. The right-hander allowed 3 runs on 7 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 4 but unleashed the two pivotal wild pitches. Cleto did manage to pick off three different Catfish runners at first base in seven innings.
Savannah was unable to muster a baserunner after the fourth inning. Veloz and Giarraputo paced the Gnats with two hits apiece.
The homestand continues on a Food Lion MVP Wednesday as the Gnats host the Braves at 7 p.m. Fans with a Food Lion MVP Card receive half-off a general admission ticket. RHP Brant Rustich (1-3, 7.27) starts for Savannah while Rome will send lefty Jeff Locke (2-7, 4.06) to the hill. For more information, visit www.sandgnats.com or call 912.351.9150.
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