Marte's bat powers Gnats to win
August 17, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Third baseman Jefry Marte drove in two of the Sand Gnats three runs in their, 3-1, win over the Delmarva Shorebirds in the series finale at Grayson Stadium Monday night. The 18-year-old planted a double towards the right field corner in the eighth to drive in the go-ahead run for Savannah.
After Rhiner Cruz (3-2) blew his second save in 22 opportunities in the top of the eighth, the Sand Gnats (22-25, 57-60) answered right back in the bottom half. Jean Luc Blaquiere doubled for the second time to lead off the eighth and put the go-ahead run in scoring position. He moved to third on a wild pitch by Mick Mattaliano before Jose Jimenez drew a walk to put runners at the corners with no one out.
Evan LeBlanc, who made two diving catches in the ninth to help preserve the win, hit a ball towards short that sent Blaquiere scampering home but he was thrown out on the play as he steamrolled catcher Luis Bernardo who hung on to the baseball for the first out of the frame.
Marte would hit his double to score Jimenez and move LeBlanc to third still with just one out. Wilmer Flores added a sacrifice fly to right to bring in Savannah's third run.
Gnats' starter Kyle Allen nearly turned in a quality start, throwing 5.2 innings of three-hit baseball without allowing a run. The 19-year-old tied a season high with seven strikeouts and made big pitches when he had to in key spots early in the game to help protect the lead. Phillips Orta did not allow a hit but his walk of Ron Welty with one down in the eighth did eventually lead to the tie and thus a no decision for Allen.
Shorebirds' starter Chris Salberg was equally as good, allowing just the one run in a season-high 7.0 innings. He also tied a season high with five punch outs.
After an off day Tuesday, the Gnats will head to Augusta to open up a six-game road swing beginning at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday from Lake Olmstead Stadium. After three in Augusta, Savannah heads to Rome for three before returning for the final homestand at Grayson beginning on Tuesday, August 25.
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