Gnats Stop Drive with 5-3 Win Thursday
August 11, 2011 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, GA - The number six and seven hitters in the Savannah Sand Gnats order, Joe Bonfe and Jet Butler combined for six hits and four runs scored to pace the Gnats in a 5-3 win over the Greenville Drive Thursday night at Historic Grayson Stadium. The first half champion Gnats (29-17/68-47) now lead the Greenville Drive (26-19/64-51) by 2.5 games for first place in the second half.
The Gnats broke a 2-2 tie with a three-run bottom of the fourth. Bonfe and Butler began the rally with singles to put runners at first and second. Second baseman Luis Nieves singled to shortstop, but Greenville SS Xander Bogaerts kicked the ball, allowing Bonfe to score the go-ahead run for a 3-2 lead. After LF Alonzo Harris singled to load the bases, SS Wilfredo Tovar lined a single into left field to put Savannah ahead 5-2.
Savannah starter Angel Cuan yielded two first-inning runs, but settled in thereafter, allowing just four singles in the subsequent five innings. Cuan tied a season-high with nine strikeouts in earning his 10th win to improve to 10-2 with a 3.18 ERA. Cuan has thrown at least six innings in each of his last nine starts.
The Gnats evened the game with two runs in the second inning. Bonfe doubled to start the rally, and Butler singled into right field to drive him home to bring the Gnats within a run at 2-1. Butler scored on CF Darrell Ceciliani's RBI single into center field that tied the game at 2-2.
Bonfe finished 3-4 with a double and two runs. Butler finished 3-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.
The Gnats play game three of their eight-game home Friday night when they hand the ball to RHP Erik Goeddel (2-2, 2.49) against Greenville RHP Keith Couch (5-4, 3.05). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm and gates open at 6 pm. The pre-game show on News/Talk 630 and sandgnats.com begins at 6:50 pm.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11: FRITOS FAMILY FRIDAY, STAYCATION GIVEAWAY
FRITOS Family Friday
Randomly selected fans will be selected to participate in special ballpark activities. You just might get to throw out the first pitch or be a co-radio broadcaster. Show a FRITOS corn chip wrapper to receive a 10% discount in the Sand Lot, the Gnats' merchandise store.
Family Friday presented by KIX96 & E93
Kids Run the Bases after the game.
Staycation Giveaway
All fans will be entered to win a special weekend at the Inn at Ellis Square in Savannah!
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South Atlantic League Stories from August 11, 2011
- Gnats Stop Drive with 5-3 Win Thursday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Early Runs Lead Suns Past Shorebirds, 6-2 - Delmarva Shorebirds
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- Intimidators Bounce Back for Thursday Victory - Hickory Crawdads
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- Pitching Propels Power Past Charleston - Charleston Dirty Birds
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- Duvall's Return Sparks Sixth Straight Victory - Augusta GreenJackets
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- Gnats Game Notes: Thursday, June 11 Vs. Greenville - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Crawdads Surpass $40,000 in Charitable Donations in 2011 - Hickory Crawdads
- Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Shorebirds Game Notes: Vs. Hagerstown - Delmarva Shorebirds
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