Sand Gnats' Cessa Earns SAL Honors

Savannah, GA -  The Savannah Sand Gnats and pitching coach Frank Viola are no strangers to the South Atlantic League's Pitcher of the Week award as RHP Luis Cessa was honored for the week of May 27 to June 2.

In his start on June 1 in Kannapolis, Cessa overpowered the Intimidators by only allowing two hits and no runs in his seven and two-thirds innings. He struck out ten on the night.

"He threw the ball very well," Viola says. "Cessa went right after the hitters. His fastball command was outstanding, using both sides of the plate and using his change to keep hitters off-stride. He was in control throughout."

The victory brings Cessa to 3-2 on the season while the Sand Gnats hold on to their first place ranking in the SAL (34-22).  The Sand Gnats return to Historic Grayson Stadium on Tuesday, June 4 for a three-game series against the Lexington Legends. It is the first time the Sand Gnats and the Legends have met this season.

RHP Rainy Lara is the only other Sand Gnats pitcher to have won a Pitcher of the Week award, having done so in both April (22-28) and May (13-19).