'Gnats stop skid at five
Published on July 11, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Sand Gnats erupted for five runs in the fourth inning and Brant Rustich tossed 5.0 superb innings as the Sand Gnats (8-14, 41-51) defeated the Lexington Legends, 5-1, in a rain-shortened game on Friday night.
Rustich (2-4) limited the Legends (5-16, 26-64) to a pair of hits, back-to-back doubles from Brian Pellegrini and Jonathan Fixler that constructed Lexington's only run. The right-hander walked 1 and struck out a season-high 7 in his longest outing of the season.
Joaquin Rodriguez and Nick Giarraputo singled to begin the fourth inning for Savannah. Francisco Pena then doubled to the gap in left to score both and give Savannah a 2-1 lead. After Pena later scored on a sacrifice fly, B.J. Hubbert struck out swinging, but the pitch went to the backstop, allowing Hubbert to take first with two outs.
The rally continued, as Michael Parker singled to move Hubbert to third. Casey Craig then knocked in Hubbert with a double off the wall in right. Juan Lagares, the ninth batter of the inning, punctuated the rally with a single to right, pushing Savannah's lead to 5-1.
Steve Cheney pitched 2.0 scoreless innings before a thunderstorm produced a torrential downpour. After a thirty minute delay, the game was called due to poor field conditions.
Parker and Giarraputo led the Gnats with two hits apiece. The win ended a seven-game home losing streak for Savannah.
Lexington starter Jake Leonhardt (3-8) lasted 3.2 innings, yielding 5 runs on 9 hits.
The Sand Gnats and Legends reconvene at 7 p.m. Saturday for the second game of a four-game series on Bike Night presented by Savannah Harley-Davidson. The Sand Gnats will wear biker-themed uniforms and the night includes the Best Dressed Biker contest, a Bike Race around the Bases, Harley-Davidson Trivia and more. For tickets and more information call 912.351.9150 or visit www.sandgnats.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from July 11, 2008
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- Durant drives in game-winner in 4-2 victory over Greenville - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- BlueClaws pull out 3-2 win - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Power Discharges RiverDogs, 12-2 - Charleston RiverDogs
- 'Gnats stop skid at five - Savannah Sand Gnats
- 'Dads knock off Suns - Hickory Crawdads
- BlueClaws Clip Drive with Four-Run Eighth Inning - Greenville Drive
- Power offense erupts - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Suns offense shut down in loss - Hagerstown Suns
- 'Birds Use Four Run 4th To Get Past 'Jackets, 5-2 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Intimidators Start Series In Rome With 4-2 Victory - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Rain Cancels Fireworks - Columbus Catfish
- BlueClaws and Phillies extend Player Development Contract - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Sand Gnat Nick Waechter promoted to St. Lucie - Savannah Sand Gnats
- World Series Trophy on Display at Fluor Field July 21st - Greenville Drive
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