Gnats Series Preview: July 4-7 vs. Rome

from press release


Players to Watch


Savannah


RHP John Church - threw four shutout innings in 1st start Tuesday...1.34 ERA leads all Gnats pitchers with more than 3 appearances


RHP Armando Rodriguez - #2 in the SAL in lowest opponents’ batting average (.205)... Since May 1: 4-2, 2.18 ERA, 57.2 IP


SS Wilfredo Tovar - hitting .393/.469/.464 (11 H/28 AB) in nine games with Savannah... three walks against one strikeout


Rome


LHP Chris Masters - #10 in SAL in ERA (2.61)... #4 in SAL in lowest opponents’ batting average for starters (.211)


1B Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg - 2009 Appalachian League MVP... hitting .306 (15 H/49 AB) in his first 14 games with Rome



Series Preview


The first half champion Savannah Sand Gnats return home to Historic Grayson Stadium to begin a four-game series with the Rome Braves on Sunday, July 4 for a special night distinguished by the opening of Land Shark Landing and a post-game Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular. Land Shark Landing is a unique three-level deck along the right-field side of Historic Grayson Stadium. Sunday, portions of all three tiers will be open to fans for the first time on a first-come, first-served basis.



The Gnats have owned the Braves this year, going 12-3 against Rome with a perfect 7-0 record at Historic Grayson Stadium. Savannah’s .800 winning percentage against Rome is their best against any SAL foe. In the teams’ 15 games this year, the Gnats have outscored the Braves by an 81-35 margin, an average of 5.4 runs per game to 2.3. Savannah pitching has held Rome to a measly batting line of .214/.282/.280 (AVG/OBP/SLG) with 36 walks and 112 strikeouts.



Heading into Sunday’s action, the Braves are one of four teams tied for third place in the SAL Southern Division at 4-5 in the second half, one game ahead of the Savannah Sand Gnats at 3-6.



Probable Starters


Day Time Savannah Sand Gnats (3-6/45-34) Rome Braves (4-5/34-44)


Sun 6:05 RHP John Church (3-0, 1.34) RHP Robinson Lopez (3-4, 3.66)


Mon 7:05 RHP Armando Rodriguez (5-5, 2.79) LHP Brett DeVall (4-5, 3.92)


Tue 7:05 RHP Collin McHugh (3-6, 3.48) RHP Caleb Brewer (2-1, 2.92)


Wed 7:05 LHP Darin Gorski (2-4, 3.79) LHP Chris Masters (1-3, 2.61)