Sand Gnats drop eighth decision, 8-6
Published on August 10, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Sand Gnats scored five runs in the first inning but could not hold on as they dropped their eighth straight decision, 8-6, to the Asheville Tourists in 10 innings Thursday night at Historic Grayson Stadium.
Marco Estrada pitched well for the Gnats in the start, allowing three runs on four hits in 5.1 innings while tying his season high with six strikeouts. Three different Savannah pitchers came out of the bullpen to allow five total runs, including Gus Hlebovy who gave up two runs in the 10th to take the loss.
Savannah strung together five straight base hits, four of which were doubles, in the first inning to jump out to an early 5-0 lead. Tim Pahuta, Scott Schade, Brian Peacock and John Poppert all recorded two-baggers in the inning, and Reggie Fitzpatrick also added a run-scoring single.
The Gnats tacked on one more in the third when Fitzpatrick lined a home run over the right-field wall to make it a 6-1 affair. The long ball was Fitzpatrick's fourth of the season.
The Tourists chipped away at the Gnats' lead, finally tying the score at 6-6 in the eighth inning when Nelson Robledo took Greg Bunn deep to left for his first home run of the season.
In the 10th frame, Asheville combined for two runs on four hits, including RBI singles from Daniel Carte and Dexter Fowler, to take their first lead of the game, setting the score at the 8-6 final.
Savannah and Asheville play Game 2 of the series Friday at 7:05 p.m. as the Sand Gnats send left-hander John Lannan to the hill to face right-hander Shane Lindsay. Tomorrow is a Fireworks Friday with post-game fireworks and a Papa John's Pizza eating contest. For tickets and a complete schedule, visit www.sandgnats.com, or call the Sand Gnats offices at 912-351-9150.
South Atlantic League Stories from August 10, 2006
- RiverDogs bully Intimidators, 8-2 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Infield singles defeat Drive 4-3 - Columbus Catfish
- Sand Gnats drop eighth decision, 8-6 - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Three run first provides Power victory - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Drive fall to Catfish in final at-bat, 4-3 - Greenville Drive
- Suns fall to Greensboro 10-3 - Hagerstown Suns
- Augusta no-hits the Braves - Rome Emperors
- BlueClaws start longest homestand ever on Friday - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
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