- Ruiz was 2-for-4 and scored Savannah’s only run.
Game one of the four game series between the Savannah Sand Gnats and the Hickory Crawdads was played in front of 3,049 fans Thursday evening at Grayson Stadium.
Hickory out hit Savannah 12 to 4 and won 10-1.
It was an outstanding performance by Hickory second baseman Travis Demeritte, who was 3-for-5, with two home runs, five RBI’s, and scored three runs.
Hickory got off to a quick start scoring two runs in the first inning when left fielder Evan Van Hossier singled and scored on a double by center fielder Zach Cone. A single by right fielder Jairo Beras drove in Cone.
A solo home run in the 2nd inning by Demeritte over the left field fence gave Hickory a 3-0 lead. It was home run number 22 for Demeritte.
Savannah scored their only run in the 3rd inning when shortstop Yeixon Ruiz reached first base on a bunt, stole second, and scored on a single by Champ Stuart.
With the bases loaded in the 5th inning for Hickory, catcher Kellin Deglan walked allowing a run to score.
The Crawdads scored three runs in the 8th inning and three runs in the ninth, highlighted by a three run home run over the left field fence by Demeritte, his 23rd of the year which leads the SAL.
Leading hitter for Savannah, Ruiz was 2-for-4, with a run scored.
| SAVANNAH PITCHERS | IP | R | H | K | BB |
| Logan Taylor (L, 0-3) | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| John Mincone | 1.1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Hunter Carnevale | 1.2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Game two of the series starts at 7:05pm Friday at Grayson Stadium.