Savannah 6 - Augusta 5

Gnats Overpower GreenJackets in 6-5 Win

Savannah, GA – C Kevin Plawecki crushed a first inning two RBI home run over the left field wall at Historic Grayson Stadium, setting the tone for an exciting 6-5 win over the Augusta GreenJackets on Friday night.

The Gnats (27-19) improved to 7-2 against the GreenJackets (26-21) preserving their second place slot, just a half game behind Charleston in the South Atlantic League Southern Division.

The Gnats enjoyed a productive fifth inning that mirrored last night's game. 2B  Yucarybert De La Cruz led off the inning with a double off of Augusta starter  LHP  Matthew Lujan who woudn't face another batter.  Augusta reliever RHP Stephen Johnson , then promptly allowed back-to-back singles by CF Eudy Pina and DH Jayce Boyd. After a C Kevin Plawecki walk, LF Stefan Sabol hit the go-ahead two RBI double.

The GreenJackets scored their fair share of runs with two home runs off of Savannah RHP Matt Koch in the third inning by 3B Mitch Delfino and LF Rafael Rodriguez, respectively.

RHP Julian Hilario held Savannah's lead, striking out four over two innings of relief. The ninth proved to be a true nail biter, as Savannah's RHP Beck Wheeler opened the top of the ninth inning allowing a walk to the very speedy CF Jesus Galindo, followed by back-to-back singles to both DH Shayne Houck and SS Matt Duffy. With the bases loaded, Wheeler struck out 1B Joseph Rapp and lured 3B Mitch Delfino into lining out to CF Eudy Pina for the second out. In dramatic fashion, Beck Wheeler struck out C Eric Sim, earning his fourth save on the season.

C Kevin Plawecki increased his South Atlantic League leading consecutive on-base streak to 34 games. SS Phillip Evans was ejected in the sixth inning by HP umpire Jordan Albarado.

The Gnats will send RHP Jake Kuebler (0-2, 3.32) to the mound Saturday against Augusta RHP Martin Agosta (5-1, 2.88). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium open at 5 pm. That radio pregame show on News/Talk 630 WBMQ and online at sandgnats.com begins at 6:45 pm.