GREENJACKETS COME BACK TO BEAT GNATS 8-5

Savannah, GA –  The Easter Bunny delivered eggs to kids and a comeback to the Augusta GreenJackets who scored five unanswered runs in the seventh and eighth innings to come from behind to defeat the Gnats 8-5 on Easter Sunday at Historic Grayson Stadium. The Gnats (2-2) and the GreenJackets (2-2) split the season-opening four-game series. 

Savannah third baseman Aderlin Rodriguez lifted a three-run home run for the second straight day. Rodriguez has nine RBI in the first four games of the Savannah season.

Down 3-1, the Gnats put together a three-run fifth inning to take a 4-3 lead. C Cam Maron led off with a walk, DH Brian Harrison singled, and then Rodriguez lofted a three-run homer over the left field wall. Savannah added another run in the sixth on a Maron sacrifice fly to build a 5-3 lead.

The GreenJackets scored three times in the top of the seventh off the Savannah bullpen to take a 6-5 lead. 3B Jose Cuevas, who tied Friday’s game with a two run single in the ninth off reliever Estarlin Morel, doubled home two runs Sunday off Morel Sunday putting Augusta in the lead. The GreenJackets tacked on two more runs in the eighth.

Savannah reliever Carlos Vazquez, who allowed two walks and a single in the seventh, was charged with his first loss of the year. GreenJackets reliever Bryce Bandilla held the Gnats to one run in two innings in the sixth and seventh to earn the win.

The game began as a pitcher’s duel between two hard throwing young  righthanders: Domingo Tapia for Savannah and Kyle Crick for Augusta. Crick lasted just 3.2 innings, walking three and hitting two batters, but gave up just one run on three hits. Tapia lasted through five innings, fanning three and walking one. He was touched for three runs on four hits.

The Gnats begin a three-game series Monday when the Rome Braves come to town. Savannah will send RHP Tyler Pill (NR) to the hill against LHP Carlos Perez (NR). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm on Dollar Monday presented by Kroger, Savannah Morning News, and E93.

Fans can retrieve a coupon for a one dollar General Admission coupon from the Savannah Morning News, www.savannahnow.com, or www.e93fm.com. Fans must bring the coupon to the box office in order to receive the special. Once inside the park fans can enjoy one dollar hot dogs, one dollar chips, one dollar small sodas, and one dollar small Natty Lights. Gates will open at 6pm.