Gnats Head Home down 0-1 in the Series
Asheville, NC - The Savannah Sand Gnats drop game one of the SAL Playoffs on Wednesday at McCormick Field against the Asheville Tourists, 5-1. The Tourists used two homers in the third inning to defeat the Gnats.
The Tourists (1-0) went down in order the first time through the lineup. CF Wes Rogers led off the fourth with a single to left. 2B Forrest Wall broke the tie with a two-run homer over the wall in right. Gnats' starter Martires Arias (0-1) recovered and struck out the next two batters. With two outs, 1B Roberto Ramos hit a solo-shot to put the Tourists up 3-0.
The Gnats (0-1) SS Luis Guillorme led off the sixth with a single to center. 3B Eudor Garcia doubled home the Gnats' lone run in sharp line drive to center.
Asheville added two runs in the sixth inning, both attributed to Arias.
Savannah's 'pen added 2.2 innings of scoreless relief, but the Gnats' bats could not get anything started off Tourists' starter Jesus Tinoco (1-0). Tinoco tossed 7.2 innings and allowed just one run on seven hits.
The Sand Gnats and Tourists will continue the Divisional Round of the SAL Playoffs at Historic Grayson Stadium on Friday, September 11th. The Gnats will send RHP Ricky Knapp (8-3, 2.60) to the hill, while Asheville will start RHP Carlos Polanco (9-10, 3.90). Friday night will feature a post-game fireworks show as well as a jersey auction. Gates will open at 6pm and first pitch is set for 7:05pm.