Sand Gnats Score Two Late Runs for 6-5 Walk-Off Win
Published on April 25, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release
HICKORY, N.C. - The Hickory Crawdads scored two runs in the top of the ninth to take a 5-4 lead, but the Savannah Sand Gnats pushed across two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning for a 6-5 walk-off victory before 996 fans at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia.
With the Crawdads trailing 4-3 through eight innings, C Zach Zaneski led off the ninth with a double against LHP Brandon Sage (1-0, 2.70 ERA) and was replaced on the base paths by C Leonel De Los Santos. After moving to third on a sacrifice bunt from 2B Joe Bonadonna, De Los Santos scored on a sac fly by DH Cody Podraza. Later in the inning, with runners at first and second, RF Jared Prince lined a single to center, scoring SS Leury Garcia for the go-ahead run.
However, the 'Dads lead was short-lived. After striking out the first batter he faced, Hickory closer RHP Josh Lueke (0-1, 1.23 ERA) ran into trouble. 2B Alonzo Harris reached safely on a fielding error by SS Leury Garcia (his third of the ballgame and the sixth for the Crawdads.) A run-scoring fielder's choice brought in Harris for the tying run, and after loading the bases to create a force out at any bag with just one out, Lueke surrendered a walk-off single to 1B Jeff Flagg, giving Savannah the 6-5 walk-off win.
Lueke picks up his first loss and first blown save of the season in six chances. Sage, who also blew a chance for a save, was awarded the win for Savannah.
The Sand Gnats (12-6) scored three runs in the first against Hickory starter RHP Wilmer Font on a sting of three singles, a walk, and an RBI groundout. They added another run in the fourth when RHP Trevor Hurley attempted to pick-off CF Pedro Zapata at second, but his throw sailed into center field allowing Zapata to come all the way around to score.
The Crawdads (8-10) began their comeback in the sixth against Savannah starter LHP Mark Cohoon. With Podraza on second, CF Miguel Velazquez launched his second homer of the season to left field, cutting the deficit to 4-2. They added another run when Podraza doubled home Zaneski in the seventh to bring Hickory within a run.
Podraza and Velazquez combined to supply four of Hickory's 11 hits and drove in four of the the team's five runs.
Crawdads Clippings: The Crawdads continue their series in Savannah against the Sand Gnats tomorrow afternoon at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Thompson (0-0, 3.86 ERA) will start for Hickory, opposing RHP Brandon Moore (0-0, 0.71 ERA) of Savannah. Catch all the action live on The Big Dawg 92.1FM and Hickorycrawdads.com, and be sure to tune in 15 minutes early for Crawdads Countdown!
The Crawdads return to L.P. Frans to host the Asheville Tourists on Monday, May 3 at 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.). That night is 2-for-1 Senior Night, presented by ResCare, and kids also get to eat for FREE with the purchase of a ticket!
Get Tickets: Single game tickets for all Crawdads games are on sale now at the Crawdads Ticket Office and online at www.hickorycrawdads.com and start at just $6! Season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available at the Crawdads office, located at 2500 Clement Blvd. NW or by calling (828) 322-3000.
South Atlantic League Stories from April 25, 2010
- Greenville Takes Two From Legends - Lexington Legends
- Drive Sweep Sunday Twinbill With Legends - Greenville Drive
- Intimdators Share Victory and Loss in Doubleheader - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- BlueClaws Edged by Greensboro, 8-7 - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- GreenJackets Rally Late to Sweep Twinbill - Augusta GreenJackets
- Charleston Conquers Rome, 3-2 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Sand Gnats Score Two Late Runs for 6-5 Walk-Off Win - Hickory Crawdads
- Gnats Come Back for 6-5 Win in Wild 9th - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Suns Level The Series With 8-6 Win Over 'Birds - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Hood's Four RBI Lead Suns To Victory - Hagerstown Suns
- Berryhill Back in Rome - Rome Emperors
- Gnats Game Notes - Savannah Sand Gnats
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