Gnats Sweep Jackets Thursday
Published on June 12, 2014 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
Savannah, GA - One day after clinching the SAL Southern Division first half title, the Savannah Sand Gnats celebrated by sweeping a doubleheader from the Augusta GreenJackets. The Gnats took game one 3-2, and won the nightcap 6-0.
The Gnats (44-20) picked up two complete games from their starting pitchers as Robert Gsellman delivered eight innings in game one, and John Michael Gant threw seven shutout innings in game two to finish the second complete game shutout by a Savannah starter this year. Both Gsellman and Gant threw 65 of their 96 pitches for strikes.
Savannah won game one with a run in the bottom of the eighth inning. With one out, 2B LJ Mazzilli drew a walk and after 1B Dominic Smith singled, DH Jon Leroux ripped a double into right-centerfield to chase home Mazzilli with the winning run.
Game two was far less dramatic as the Gnats scored in four of their six innings. In the first Mazzilli and Leroux each had RBI singles, and that was more than enough for Gant.
The GreenJackets (32-34) only put one runner at second base in the first six innings of game two, and did not get a runner to third base until the seventh. However, with the bases loaded, Gant induced a game-ending popup to preserve the shutout. In the process he lowered his ERA to a league-leading 2.12, two hundredths ahead of teammate Kevin McGowan (2.14).
The Gnats will send LHP Dario Alvarez (4-0, 1.26) to the hill Friday night against LHP Christian Jones (2-3, 3.28) for Augusta.
Fans who bring in a canned food item for St. Mary's will receive a free general admission to the night's game as part of St. Joseph's/Candler Facebook Friday.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium open at 6 pm. The radio pregame show on News/Talk 630 WBMQ and sandgnats.com begins at 6:45 pm.
South Atlantic League Stories from June 12, 2014
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- Gnats Sweep Jackets Thursday - Savannah Sand Gnats
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- Power Postponed - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Shorebirds Game Notes at West Virginia - Delmarva Shorebirds
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- Suns Notes - Hagerstown Suns
- Game Notes: Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox) vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers (Marlins) - June 12, 201 - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
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