Gnats Ride Brooms to Sweep in Extras
Published on July 14, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Amidst a power outage and 14 innings of baseball, the Sand Gnats pulled off their first four-game sweep in more than two years with a 2-1 victory over Lexington. Casey Craig scored from first in the bottom of the 14th when Jonathan Fixler's throw to second on Craig's steal attempt went into center field. The ball rolled under centerfielder Brandon Barnes' glove enabling Craig to score the game-winning run.
In an ultimate pitcher's duel, Gnats starter Julio Polanco allowed Lexington's only run in the second on a Brian Pellegrini home run to center field. It was Polanco's only blemish as he went six innings without allowing a run while striking out a season-high 8 batters. Nick Abel (2-1), who earned the save yesterday, pitched 2.0 innings for the win.
Savannah's other run of the game came in the fourth inning when Tony Maccani singled with the bases loaded to drive in Jose Jimenez.
The Gnats had their opportunities to win the game in the 10th and 13th innings with the winning run at third base and less than two outs but failed to capitalize on either attempt.
The last time Savannah swept a four-game series was May 28-30, 2006 when the Gnats swept the Charleston RiverDogs at home. The four-game win streak for Savannah is the first since June of 2006. The 2-1 win is also the 14th one-run game the Gnats have played in their past 21 contests. They are now 6-8 in those 14 games.
There was a 10-minute power outage around 2:20 p.m. which did not affect the game.
After an off day tomorrow, the Gnats (11-14, 44-51) will look to make it five straight when they start a four-game set with the Greensboro Grasshoppers Wednesday night. Starters for the game have not been announced but first pitch is slated for 7 p.m. The Sand Gnats return home on July 25 to start an eight-game homestand with the visiting Asheville Tourists.
South Atlantic League Stories from July 14, 2008
- RiverDogs Electrocute Power, 9-8, in 11 Innings - Charleston RiverDogs
- Drive earn road victory to begin week - Greenville Drive
- Power fall in extras - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Tourists Take Three of Four from the Captains - Lake County Captains
- BlueClaws strand 11 in 3-1 loss to Greenville - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Suns walk-off with win - Hagerstown Suns
- Rome Takes Two from Kannapolis - Rome Emperors
- Intimidators swept in double header - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Jackets End Road Trip with Win over Shorebirds - Augusta GreenJackets
- Neal Bashes 'Birds, 5-2 in Series Finale - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Catfish split doubleheader - Columbus Catfish
- Gnats Ride Brooms to Sweep in Extras - Savannah Sand Gnats
- BlueClaws Blood Drive Approaching - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- RiverDogs' Montero Singles in Ninth Inning to Lead World to 3-0 Win over US - Charleston RiverDogs
- Freeman Earns Player of the Week Honors - Rome Emperors
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