West Virginia 6, Savannah 3
The Savannah Sand Gnats and the West Virginia Power played a double header Saturday afternoon at Grayson Stadium. West Virginia won the first game 6-3 and Savannah won the second game 6-1.
In the 2nd inning, West Virginia scored three runs. Leading off the inning, Dilson Herrera hit a home run over the left field fence, his 11th home run of the year. Jordan Steranka singled and scored when catcher, Francisco Diaz hit his first home run of the year over the right field fence.
Savannah tired the game in the second inning. Eudy Piña was hit by a pitch and Brian Harrison walked. Catcher Albert Cordero singled to score a run. Philip Evans singled to drive in a run while Cordero scored on a ground out.
West Virginia scored three runs in the 9th inning to take the game, however. Two runs scored on back to back walks followed by a triple by Francisco Diaz.
Sand Gnats managed just four hits for the game but Cordero was 1-for-3 and played outstanding defense behind the plate, throwing out two runners trying to steal second base and he picked off two runners who could not return to first base in time.
Savannah 6, West Virginia 1
In this game, Savannah scored three runs in the 4th inning on one hit, two walks and three throwing errors, and a wild pitch. West Virginia scored their run in the 6th inning, but the Sand Gnats scored three runs of their own in the 6th. Brian Harrison singled and Stefon Sabol doubled. Catcher Jeff Glenn singled to score a run. Brandon Nimmo doubled to score 2 runs.
Savannah starting pitcher Steven Matz, was sharp, pitching 5 1/3 innings, allowed four hits, one run, two walks, and struck out seven. With the win, Matz is now 5-6. Paul Sewald pitched 1 2/3 innings and struck out 2 to earn his 7th save of the season.
The announced attendance was 2,912. The final game of the series starts at 2:05pm Sunday at Grayson Stadium.
Key Stats
Jake Kuebler: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 3 K
Beck Wheeler: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 ER, 3 K
Steven Matz: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 1 ER, 7 K
Paul Sewald: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 2 K
Brandon Nimmo: 2-for-5, 1 2B, 3 BB, 2 RBI
Jeff Glenn: 1-for-1, 2 BB, 2 RBI