Hagerstown 6, Savannah 1

The Hagerstown Suns doubled their way past the Savannah Sand Gnats 6-1 in the opening game of the South Atlantic League Championship Series. Six of Hagerstown’s nine hits were two-baggers and the Suns used at least one double in each of the three innings the team scored.

In the third inning, catcher Pedro Severino doubled to leftfield and scored on Tony Renda‘s RBI groundout to give Hagerstown a 1-0 advantage.

The Suns used two doubles in the fifth to make it 3-0 against Savannah starter Luis Cessa. After shortstop Stephen Perez walked, Isaac Ballou doubled to the right field wall to put runners at second and third. Renda then ripped a double down the left field line to drive in two more runs.

The Gnats scored their only run in the top of the seventh to close within 3-1. Stefan Sabol walked to begin the frame, went to second on a wild pitch and scored when Jeff Reynolds squeezed a ground ball single into right field. All four Gnats’ hits Monday were singles.

Rehabbing big leaguer Jeurys Familia retired the Suns in order, 1-2-3 with a strikeout in the sixth.

The Suns used two more doubles to add three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to establish the game’s final score at 6-1.

The Gnats will send RHP Seth Lugo (NR – playoffs) against RHP Austin Voth (1-0, 0.00) in game two of the SAL Championship Series Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

After an off-day Wednesday, the series shifts to Savannah for game three on Thursday night at 7:05. If necessary, games four and five will be in Savannah Friday and Saturday.

Key Stats

Jeff Reynolds: 1-for-4, 1 RBI

Maikis De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 1 BB

Luis Cessa: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 ER, 2 K

Jeurys Familia: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 1 K

Hunter Carnevale: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 2 BB, 1 K

Estarlin Morel: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER

(Team Report)