Crawdads fall to Savannah in series opener
Hickory (8-9) pushed across two runs in the first off Sand Gnats starter LHP James Fuller (3-1, 1.26 ERA) on a string of four singles and a run-scoring groundout. With one out and the bases loaded, 3B Matt West singled to right, bringing in LF Cody Podraza from third. DH Cristian Santana then followed with an RBI groundout to short to plate SS Leury Garcia.
Fuller held the Crawdads scoreless over his next seven innings on the mound to pick up the win for Savannah. He finished with nine strikeouts and a walk, while giving up just the two early runs (both earned) and eight hits through his eight innings on the mound.
The Sand Gnats (11-6) pulled ahead in the fourth, 3-2, against Crawdads starter LHP Robbie Ross (1-3, 4.82 ERA) with a rally consisting of a walk, two singles, an RBI ground out and a double. They tacked on an insurance run in the fifth to cap the scoring at 4-2.
Podraza shone at the plate for Hickory, going 3-for-4 with two singles, a triple, and a run scored. RHP Braden Tullis pitched three scoreless innings of relief following the departure of Ross.
Ross was tagged with the loss, giving up four runs (all earned), on seven hits and a walk through five innings, while striking out three.
RHP Michael Powers collected his second save of the season for Savannah with a three-up-three-down ninth inning.
Crawdads Clippings:
The Crawdads continue their series in Savannah against the Sand Gnats tomorrow afternoon at 2:05 p.m. RHP Wilmer Font (2-0, 3.07 ERA) will start for Hickory, opposing LHP Mark Cohoon (3-0, 1.53 ERA) of Savannah. Catch all the action live on The Big Dawg 92.1FM and Hickorycrawdads.com, and be sure to tune in 15 minutes early for Crawdads Countdown!
The Crawdads return to L.P. Frans to host the Asheville Tourists on Monday, May 3 at 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.). That night is 2-for-1 Senior Night, presented by ResCare, and kids also get to eat for FREE with the purchase of a ticket!
Get Tickets:
Single game tickets for all Crawdads games are on sale now at the Crawdads Ticket Office and online at www.hickorycrawdads.com and start at just $6! Season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available at the Crawdads office, located at 2500 Clement Blvd. NW or by calling (828) 322-3000.