Gnats Pack The House, Fall 8-3
Published on April 11, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Fans came out in droves to watch the Savannah Sand Gnats home opener tonight at Historic Grayson Stadium as 4,265 patrons filed through the turnstiles.
The total surpasses last year's Opening Day attendance of 4,018 for second most since the John Smoltz rehab start on May 10, 2001 (5,742). The Gnats lost, 8-3, to the Columbus Catfish with Elvin Ramirez (1-1) taking the loss for Savannah.
Ramirez made it through the first inning unscathed but then started to unravel in the second as the 'Fish exploded for four runs in the second frame. Ramirez pitched 2.2 innings, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits.
Josh Johnson (1-1) was dominant in 6.0 innings of work for Columbus, allowing just 2 hits and no runs while striking out 7.
Greg Veloz provided some late fireworks in the seventh when he blasted a three-run homer, his first of the year, off Chris Fessler. Veloz hammered the homer to right to make the score 8-3.
Manuel Olivares and Wendy Rosa each had impressive outings after being called up to Savannah on Friday morning. Olivares pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit while striking out 4. Rosa pitched a perfect ninth inning. Both were making their full-season debut.
The Gnats continue their six-game homestand Saturday night at 7 p.m. versus the Columbus Catfish with Georgia-native Nathan Vineyard (0-1, 9.00) scheduled to take the mound. Saturday is Effingham Community Night presented by St. Joseph's/Candler. The first 1,000 fans receive a 2008 Magnet Schedule courtesy of St. Joseph's/Candler. Postgame fireworks will follow the game. For tickets and more information call 912-351-9150 or visit www.sandgnats.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from April 11, 2008
- Five-Run Eighth Inning Propels Charleston to Comeback Win Over Rome, 7-6 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Gnats Pack The House, Fall 8-3 - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Corona Homers Three Time in 'Jackets Win - Augusta GreenJackets
- Suns And Captains Postponed - Hagerstown Suns
- GreenJackets' Late Two-Out Rally Dooms Legends - Lexington Legends
- Five-Run Second Secures Grasshopper Win Over Asheville - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- BlueClaws held to three hits in 3-1 loss to Delmarva - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Intimidators Drop Game One To Hickory 5-2 - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- 'Birds Pitch Way Past 'Claws, 3-1 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Holcomb Homers in Tourists 7-2 defeat - Asheville Tourists
- Suns rained out - Hagerstown Suns
- Drive and Power Rained Out - Greenville Drive
- Power Rained Out - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Greensboro Grasshoppers Game Notes - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- Columbus Catfish Upcoming Homestand - Columbus Catfish
- Columbus Catfish Upcoming Home Promotions - Columbus Catfish
- RiverDogs Will Host "Run, Forrest, Run 5K" Race - Charleston RiverDogs
- Rosa, Olivares Join Gnats For Home Opener - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Tourists Take Three of Four in First Road Series â Rike Homers Again - Asheville Tourists
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