Gnats Deflate Drive in 9-3 Win Saturday Night
Published on August 16, 2014 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
Savannah, Ga.- Against the Greenville Drive, the Gnats' offense has raced at nearly full-speed on their way to a 9-3 win Saturday night at Historic Grayson Stadium. In winning the first three games of the series, Savannah has outscored Greenville 29-7. The Gnats have now won four straight contests.
The Gnats (36-20/80-42) used a pair of bases-loaded walks to score twice in the first inning for a 2-0 advantage.
The Drive (18-38/52-73) picked up a run back in their half in the fourth against Savannah starter Alex Panteliodis. In the fourth, leftfielder Kevin Mager singled home shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin who had led off the inning with a single of his own. That was the only run Panteliodis allowed before the ninth inning.
The Gnats blew the game open with seven runs in the sixth and seventh inning against reliever Oscar Perez. In the sixth, catcher Jeff Glenn and leftfielder Patrick Biondi drew back-to-back walks to start a three-run rally. In the seventh, five straight singles - from Victor Cruzado, Nelfi Zapata, Jonathan Johnson, Glenn and Biondi - led to four runs and a 9-1 Savannah advantage.
Three different Gnats reached base four times. Cruzado was 2-for-3 with two walks, a run and an RBI. Shortstop Yeixon Ruiz was a similar 2-for-3 with a walk, two RBI and two runs scored. Biondi was 2-for-2 with two walks and a run scored.
Savannah let Panteliodis begin the ninth with an eight run, but he allowed three hits, including two doubles and hit his pitch count with two outs in the inning and was removed one out shy of his second complete game of the year. He still earned the win to improve to 5-3 with a 3.80 ERA.
Looking for their fifth straight win and a series sweep, the Gnats will hand the ball to RHP John Michael Gant (10-5, 2.55) Sunday afternoon against RHP Teddy Stankiewicz (9-7, 3.86).
Children 12 and under can receive a free hot dog, chips, and soda thanks to the final installment of Kia Country Kids Eat Free Sunday. Fans can also bring their dogs to the park thanks to TailsSpin Bark in the Park. Be sure to bring your proof of up-to-date vaccinations.
First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 pm . Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium open at 1 pm . The radio pre-game show on News/Talk 630 WBMQ, online atsandgnats.com and via TuneIn radio begins at 1:45 pm .
South Atlantic League Stories from August 16, 2014
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