'Gnats fall in extras
Published on August 6, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. -The Sand Gnats, who at one point led by a score of 5-1, eventually fell 8-6 to the visiting Columbus Catfish in 11 innings at Historic Grayson Stadium on Wednesday night. However, 958 fans came to witness the game thus catapulting Savannah past last year's attendance mark of 91,722.
This marks the fourth straight season that the Sand Gnats have increased attendance at Historic Grayson Stadium. For comparison's sake, the Sand Gnats drew a total of 58,379 during the 2004 season. Savannah currently sits at 91,724 fans with 11 home games left in 2008 and is primed to reach the 100,000-fan mark.
As for the game, the Sand Gnats led 5-1 heading into the eighth inning before the Catfish would mount their comeback against the Savannah bullpen. Sean O'Malley tripled off Savannah reliever Jason LaVorgna with one away to begin the comeback. A walk to Reid Fronk and a single by Greg Sexton scored one and brought the âFish within three.
Manager Donovan Mitchell went to the bullpen and summoned Jose Bierd, who subsequently allowed a single to Stephen Vogt to score Fronk and make it 5-3 Gnats. Henry Wrigley followed with his sixth home run of the season and it was 6-5 Catfish.
Savannah tied it in the eighth and played extra innings until the âFish jumped out in front for good in the 11th. With two on and two out, Greg Sexton tripled off Manny Olivares to score a pair and give the Catfish an 8-6 lead. Stephen Puhl (0-2) suffered the loss.
Francisco Pena finished the game 3-for-5 with an RBI and a triple while Juan Lagares also went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and 2 RBI.
The series continues tomorrow at 7 p.m. on a Thirsty Thursday presented by Connect Savannah and Rock 106.1. There will be half priced beer and soda all night long. For tickets and more information, visit www.sandgnats.com or call 912.351.9150.
South Atlantic League Stories from August 6, 2008
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