Mazzilli singles in the 12th inning to drive in the winning run to defeat Rome 3-2. He went 3-for-5.

Savannah faced off against Rome on Thursday and got off to a quick start scoring two runs in the first inning. Shortstop Gavin Cecchini doubled and scored on a double by third baseman Jeff McNeil, who then stole third and scored on a throwing error by Rome’s catcher, Victor Caratini.

In the 6th inning, Rome scored two runs when Caratini tripled to drive in a run and then scored on a single by first baseman Jake Schrader. It was a good exhibition of hitting by Caratini as he had three singles and a triple.

Savannah scored the winning run in the 12th inning when center fielder Patrick Biondi led off the inning with a single, followed by a sac bunt by Cecchini, to move Biondi to second. The next batter, McNeil, who was 4-for-5, was intentionally walked and second baseman L.J. Mazzilli lined a single to left field to score the winning run and defeat the Rome Braves 3-2.

The first four batters for the Sand Gnats, Biondi, Cecchini, McNeil, and Mazzilli accounted for 12 hits, both RBI’s, and three runs scored.

Savannah out hit Rome 14-10 and the Braves left 11 runners on base, while the Sand Gnats left 12.

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