Gant Chases Perfection Sunday in Gnats' 1-0 Win

Savannah, Ga.- John Michael Gant was not perfect, but his close-enough was good enough for the Savannah Sand Gnats, who beat the Hickory Crawdads 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at Historic Grayson Stadium. The Gnats took the final three games in a row from Hickory. 

Gant was perfect through six full innings on 61 pitches. He retired the first two batters of the seventh, before walking Hickory right-fielder Nomar Mazara. His no-hitter lasted two more batters until left-fielder's infield single to the hole between short and third. Gant finished the seventh without allowing a run with seven strikeouts against two walks and one hit allowed. It was the second time in three starts in which he has taken a no-hitter into the sixth inning. He had a no-hitter through 5.1 innings in his July 19 start against Lexington. 

The Gnats (26-16/70-38) scored the game's only run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Catcher Colton Plaia singled to right and then left for pinch-runner Victor Cruzado. With Cruzado at third and two outs, centerfielder Champ Stuart bounced a single up the middle to bring home Cruzado. 

The Crawdads (24-19/65-47) put two runners on base in the ninth, but Savannah closer Akeel Morris finished off the 'Dads with a pair of strikeouts for his 12th save of the year. 

The Gnats welcome the Charleston RiverDogs to town for a four-game series Monday-Wednesday, beginning with a doubleheader Monday evening.

As a part of Kroger Dollar Monday, presented by Savannah Morning News, Fans can take advantage of $1 tickets by showing their Kroger Plus Card at the box office, or by using the $1 coupon found at participating Kroger stores, in the Savannah Morning News, or online at SavannahNow.com. Fans can also enjoy $1 hot dogs, chips, small sodas, and PBR beer all night long.

First pitch of game one is scheduled for 5:35 pm. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium open at5 pm. The radio pregame show on News/Talk 630/WBMQ, sandgnats.com and the TuneIn radio app begins at 6:30.