Hickory 4 - Savannah 1

Gnats Squander Opportunities Friday 

Savannah, GA – The Savannah Sand Gnats had opportunity after opportunity, but could not convert more than once in falling 4-1 to the Hickory Crawdads Friday night at Historic Grayson Stadium. The Gnats left 14 men on base and were 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

The Crawdads (27-21/66-52) scored the game’s first run in the top of the fourth inning. C Jorge Alfaro doubled and scored on RF Nomar Mazara’s single into centerfield. Alfaro finished 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

Savannah starter Steven Matz dealt with runners in each of his five frames, but allowed only one run thanks to nine strikeouts.

Hickory added three runs in the sixth against Savannah reliever Tyler Vanderheiden when the first four hitters all reached base on three singles and a hit-by-pitch.

The Gnats (24-20/67-46) scored their only run in the bottom of the eighth. Eudy Pina, who reached base safely four times, was plunked to start the frame and eventually scored on 3B Brian Harrison’s single into centerfield.

Hickory starter Connor Sadzeck fought his way through five innings, forcing the Gnats to strand nine runners, to earn his 11^th win of the year.

CF Brandon Nimmo was 2-for-5, accounting for a third of the Gnats’ six hits.

The Gnats will hand the ball to RHP Seth Lugo (0-0, 1.50) against LHP Frank Lopez (2-6, 5.55). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium open at 5 pm. The radio pregame show begins on News/Talk 630 and online at sandgnats.com at 5:45 pm.