Cessa Clips Birds in 9-1 Win

Savannah, GA - Luis Cessa tossed six shutout innings to lead the Savannah Sand Gnats to a 9-1 victory over the Delmarva Shorebirds Tuesday night at Historic Grayson Stadium in the first game of the Gnats' 10-game home stand.

Cessa, who improved to 2-0, with a 1.02 ERA after his third start, scattered five hits in six innings. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter.

The Gnats (10-8) scored twice in the bottom of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. After 2B Chad Zurcher walked to start the frame, 1B Jayce Boyd doubled up the left centerfield gap to drive home Zurcher. LF Gregory Pron ripped a double almost in the same spot as Boyd, that bounced over the wall for a ground rule double, to bring home Boyd.

The Gnats expanded their lead to 5-0 with a three-run fourth inning keyed by SS Philip Evans. With two on and two out, Evans dropped a two-run double down the right field line and then scored on RF Eudy Pina's single into left field.

Savannah added a run in the fifth and then three in the sixth. Both of the Gnats' three-run innings - the fourth and sixth - began with two outs and the bases empty. Boyd drove home a run in the sixth and finished 2-for-4 with a walk, a double and two RBI.

The Shorebirds (11-8) scored their only run in the top of the eighth inning against reliever Julian Hilario.

The Gnats send RHP Matt Bowman (2-0, 1.62) to the mound on Wednesday in the second game of the three-game series against the 'Birds. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium open at 6 pm and the radio pregame begins on News/Talk 630 and online at sandgnats.com at 6:45.

Guaranteed Win Wednesday

The Gnats guarantee a win on Wednesday! If the Gnats do not win Wednesday, every fan in attendance will receive a FREE ticket to Sunday afternoon's game against the West Virginia Power.