Hot Rods 5, Gnats 2

Savannah’s first and only trip to the central time zone in 2009 did not get off to a good start Monday night as the Hot Rods defeated Savannah, 5-2. Robert Carson (2-3) suffered the loss without allowing an earned run for the Sand Gnats.

A four-run third inning by Bowling Green proved to be the difference maker in this one as the Hot Rods (16-15) climbed over the .500 mark. With two out and runners at the corners, No. 1 pick Tim Beckham hit a hard grounder to third that was mishandled by Jefry Marte and allowed Isaias Velasquez to score from third and give Bowling Green the, 1-0, lead. Jake Jefferies followed Beckham and planted a home run into right-center field that made it, 4-0, Hot Rods.

Savannah scored its first run on Sean Ratliff’s fourth home run of the year, which came in the top of the fourth inning. With the score at 4-1, the Gnats pulled within two in the eighth after an RBI single by Eric Campbell. Ratliff, who finished 2-for-4, singled behind Campbell to put the tying run on. The Hot Rods brought Jamie Bagley in from the bullpen and he struck out Josh Satin to end the threat and the inning.

Carson worked six innings for the fifth straight start and gave up just four hits. In his last two outings he’s yet to allow an earned run in 12 innings pitched. Mike Powers made his first appearance in a Gnats uniform this season and gave up one run on two hits in two innings of work.

The Hot Rods’ Frank de los Santos (2-2) threw six innings of three-hit baseball for the win.

Savannah (16-14) will look to get back into the win column Tuesday night when they send righty Eric Beaulac (1-1, 3.48) to the bump in search of his second win. Bowling Green will counter will fellow right hander Joe Cruz (0-0, 1.64), the only right-handed starter the Sand Gnats will see in this series. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. CT.