Gnats Score Late-Innings Win Over Braves
Published on June 10, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - A wild pitch from Rome's Clayton McMillan in the seventh allowed Savannah's Stefan Welch to score the go-ahead run and end a five-game losing streak as the Sand Gnats hung on for a, 4-3, victory Wednesday night at Historic Grayson Stadium.
The Gnats loaded the bases in the seventh inning against reliever Yeliar Castro, who struggled with his command all evening as he committed five walks in two innings. Welch scored on the first ball thrown from McMillan, which was high and outside. It was Welch's second run of the game and it was his RBI double that was part of the two-run, game-tying rally for Savannah in the fifth.
Sand Gnats catcher Jean Luc Blaquiere led off the inning with a walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch and came home on Welch's double. The Alice Springs, Aus. native scored on a sacrifice fly from Jefry Marte to tie the score at three. In his last two games, Welch is 3-for-6 with two RBI and four runs scored.
Rome scored an unearned run in the first and third innings against Savannah starter Elvin Ramirez, whose two throwing errors paved the way for the Braves to take the lead. Rome added their third run on a Calvin Culver solo home run in the fourth.
Josh Stinson (2-2) threw three scoreless innings for the win for the Gnats while Castro (2-3) takes the loss after loading the bases for the Gnats in the seventh. Rhiner Cruz pitched a perfect ninth for his team-leading sixth save.
The win by Savannah (27-32) sets up a rubber match with third-place Rome (32-27) Thursday night in the series finale. It's a Thirsty Thursday at Historic Grayson Stadium, with half-priced Budweiser and Coke products sponsored by Connect Savannah and Rock 106.1. Jeurys Familia (3-4, 3.43) toes the slab for the Gnats against Brett DeVall (4-2, 1.96). For tickets and more information, log on to www.sandgnats.com or call 912.351.9150.
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