Laird's home run in tenth lifts 'Dogs over Gnats
Published on August 30, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Charleston's Brandon Laird homered off Savannah reliever Mike Powers (0-1) in the top of the 10th inning to help the RiverDogs defeat Savannah, 5-4. It was Laird's 22nd home run of the season.
The Gnats were behind most of the game, tying the game in the third inning and once more in the eighth. Trailing 4-3 entering the eighth stanza, Stefan Welch hit his first home run in a Sand Gnats uniform to tie the game at four. Charleston put the go-ahead run on in the ninth but Jason LaVorgna worked through the inning and didn't allow Austin Krum to move past first.
Starter Mike Olmsted wasn't as effective in his second start, going 4.1 innings allowing four runs on nine hits with five strikeouts. Manny Olivares returned to form by throwing 2.1 innings of scoreless relief to keep the Sand Gnats in it.
In the third, a leadoff walk to Luis Nieves started the Savannah rally. RiverDogs' starter Adam Olbrychowski then made an errant throw to first allowing Nieves to move up 90 feet. Pena grounded out on a high hopper to move Nieves to third. Carlos Guzman walked and Francisco Pena singled in Nieves. Welch would ground out but drive in Guzman to tie the game momentarily.
Welch finished the game 2-for-3, with a double and the home run. He also drove in three runs. He was the only Sand Gnat to register multiple hits. Charleston scored just five runs on 13 hits but it would prove to be enough. Stephen Artz (3-0) earned the win out of the âpen while Jonathan Ortiz notched his league-leading 33rd save.
The series continues tomorrow with a rare 7 p.m. Sunday night contest from Historic Grayson Stadium. It's Southside Community Night sponsored by St. Joseph's/Candler. Postgame fireworks will be shot in honor of the Labor Day holiday on Monday. For tickets and more information, visit www.sandgnats.com or call 912.351.9150.
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