SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

Savannah rallies late to down Lakewood, 7-2

Published on August 11, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - A late Savannah rally spoiled one of the best starts of Walter Tejeda's career, as the Sand Gnats took a 7-2 win on Monday night at FirstEnergy Park in their first visit to Lakewood since 2004.

Savannah scored four runs in the eighth inning to blow open a previously tightly contested ballgame to keep the BlueClaws two games behind first-place West Virginia in the second half standings. Chris Kissock, who entered with a 23 2/3 inning scoreless streak going, allowed five straight to reach base to start the inning, including a two-RBI double from Carlos Guzman.

The BlueClaws never led in the game, but entered the seventh inning on level footing, 2-2. The Sand Gnats got a single run in the seventh off of Zack Sterner (9- 2), thanks to an RBI double from Richard Pena.

Lakewood got a great start from Walter Tejeda, but was unable to take advantage. Tejeda did allow two earned runs in his six innings, but also struck out a career-high nine batters, while walking just two. The BlueClaws southpaw departed in a tie game and did not factor in the decision. Tejeda has not won a game since July 3, a span of seven starts.

The BlueClaws looked to be in good shape after evening the game with a pair of runs in the third to tie the game. Lakewood managed to chase Savannah starter Brant Rustich after just four innings, but could not get to Sand Gnats reliever Manny Olivares. Olivares (2-1) pitched five scoreless innings and struck out six.

Lakewood got both of their runs with two outs in the third off of Rustich, a second round selection in the 2007 Draft. Derrick Mitchell picked up a two-out double and came home on back-to-back wild pitches. Dominic Brown walked and stole second before Freddy Galvis drove him in with a base hit to tie the game.

Rustich did strike out seven in his four innings, as Lakewood went down on strikes 13 times in the game, one shy of their season high.

The 'Claws tallied just eight hits in the game, as no Lakewood hitter picked up more than a single hit. Brown was the only hitter to reach twice and he did it on a pair of walks.

Lakewood (32-18, 70-50) had a chance to gain a game on the Power, who dropped a 6-0 decision to Augusta, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

The BlueClaws still lead the all-time series with Savannah, 11-6, and will try to extend their advantage on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at FirstEnergy Park. Mike Stutes (3-0) will go for his fourth win in as many starts with the 'Claws, while right-hander Eric Beaulac (1-0) will take the hill for Savannah.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 11, 2008


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