Savannah Utilized Power Beating Charleston 8-3 In Home Opener

As it has been reported in the media and other outlets, the 2015 season could possibly be the last year that the Savannah Sand Gnats play at Historic Grayson Stadium, whose owners are considering moving the team. The teams contract expires at the end of this season and the city will not build a new stadium.

But the games will be played and I will be in attendance to bring all the action of another exciting Sand Gnats season.

Follow me for the journey and cheer on with me the team that has brought the city of Savannah a great load of joy over the years.

As for the home opener, the Sand Gnats opened their season against the Charleston RiverDogs on Thursday at Grayson Stadium in front of 3,358 fans, and they didn’t disappoint as the home team used power (3 home runs) to defeat Charleston, 8-3.

The Sand Gnats scored three runs in the first inning. Center fielder John Mora was hit by a pitch leading off the inning and later scored on a throwing error by the third baseman Allen Valerio, on a ground ball hit by designated hitter Jon Leroux. First baseman Stefan Sabol‘s then hit his second home run on the season over the left field fence to also score Leroux.

Charleston scored their three runs in the second inning on 4 hits and 2 walks, led by a two-run double by right fielder Austin Aune, scoring first baseman Connor Spencer and second baseman Gosuke Katoh.

Savannah scored a run in the 2nd inning to take a 4-3 lead, when left fielder Vicente Lupo scored on an RBI ground out by shortstop Luis Guillorme.

Leading off the 4th inning for the Sand Gnats, third baseman Pedro Perez hit his first home run of the year over the left field fence to put Savannah up 5-3 lead.

The home team added a run in the 6th inning and two runs in the 7th inning on a line drive two run home run over the left field fence by right fielder Wuilmer Becerra, scoring Leroux who had walked earlier in the inning.

Savannah had nine hits for the game and the leading hitters for the Sand Gnats were Perez 2-for-4, Mora 2-for-4, and Becerra 2-for-4 with 2 RBI’s.

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Game two of the series starts at 7:05pm Friday at Grayson Stadium.

Editor’s Note:  Wally Murphy is a season ticket holder for the Savannah Sand Gnats and covers all home games for Legends on Deck.