McGowan Blanks Jackets in Rain-Shortened Game Monday

Augusta, Ga. - The Savannah Sand Gnats defeated the Augusta GreenJackets on Memorial Day Monday 2-0 after umpires called the game in the top of the eighth inning due to rain. Starter Kevin McGowan was lights out, pitching seven scoreless while allowing just three hits for his first career complete-game shutout.

For the second start in a row, McGowan saw success relying on weak contact, coaxing six ground-outs to seven fly-outs while striking out two hitters.   

The 6'6" righty has now pitched 33 and two-thirds consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. His last earned run came on May 22 against Delmarva.

GreenJackets starter Luis Ysla was effective for Augusta, hurling five scoreless until Savannah finally pushed a run across on a 2B Jorge Rivero two-out double in the sixth.   

Just before the game entered a rain delay in the eighth, with one out, 3B Jeff McNeil singled and then scored on an DH L.J. Mazzilli triple off Augusta reliever Steven Messner. McNeil finished the night 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a walk.

Savannah will send RHP Ricky Knapp (2-2, 3.12 ERA) to the bump Tuesday opposite RHP Keury Mella (2-2, 3.95 ERA). First pitch at Lake Olmstead Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m. Follow all of the action live on News/Talk 630, sandgnats.com and the MiLB First Pitch App.