Sand Gnats comeback falls short
Published on April 14, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
ROME, Ga. - The Sand Gnats spotted the Rome Braves one too many runs as they fell, 7-6, Tuesday night at State Mutual Stadium in Rome. Savannah battled back from a six-run deficit to cut the lead to one but was unable to draw closer.
It was a rough outing for 19-year-old Kyle Allen, who lasted 2.2 innings and gave up seven runs on nine hits including a three-run home run to rehabbing Braves catcher David Ross.
Once the bullpen was called in, Rome did not score another run and Savannah had its chance to get back in the contest. Wendy Rosa and Eric Beaulac combined for 5.1 innings of two-hit, shutout baseball.
The Gnats scored three runs in the fourth to pull within three. Eric Campbell capped the inning off with a two-run single for his fifth and sixth RBI of the season. In the fifth, Sean Ratliff singled in a pair of runs to pull the Sand Gnats within one.
It would stay that way the remainder of the game. Savannah had its best chance to tie the game in the seventh when Raul Reyes walked and Wilmer Flores singled to start the inning. Rome reliever Yeliar Castro battled back and struck out the next three batters to end the threat.
Former Savannah College of Art and Design student-athlete Richard Sullivan (2-0) picked up the win for Rome while Benino Pruneda notched the save.
Flores and Jordany Valdespin each had a pair of hits in the loss.
The series continues tomorrow at 7 p.m. from State Mutual Stadium when Opening Day starter Elvin Ramirez (1-0, 0.00) takes the hill looking to be the stopper for the Sand Gnats. Rome Sends Zeke Spruill (0-0, 0.00) to the bump in search of their second-consecutive win.
South Atlantic League Stories from April 14, 2009
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