Sand Gnats Blank Braves

Rome, GA – The Rome Braves lost to the Savannah Sand Gnats 1-0 tonight to even the series at one game apiece in front of 2,571 fans at State Mutual Stadium. The shutout was only the second of the season for Rome at home.

Savannah picked up the only run of the game in the first inning when Greg Veloz reached base on a single, stole second, and was driven in by D. J. Wabick’s single for the 1-0 lead. Both pitching staffs were excellent tonight with only eight hits combined for the two teams. Rome’s only scoring threat was in the seventh when they had runners on second and third with only one out, but two fly outs ended the inning without a score.

The Sand Gnats had four singles with Josh Thole having two of those going 2-3. The Braves also had four singles with Ernesto Mejia going 3-4 tonight.

Angel Calero picks up the win (2-0) for Savannah pitching six and two thirds innings of shutout baseball allowing only three hits with three strikeouts and three walks. Michael Broadway is charged with the loss (11-6) having pitched seven innings allowing one run on four hits with four strikeouts and two walks. Ricky Sparks picks up the save (1) pitching the final two and one third inning of scoreless relief allowing one his striking out one and issuing two walks.

Roster Moves: Julio Franco is no longer on the roster of the Rome Braves.

Rome takes on the Savannah Sand Gnats again tomorrow at 7pm for the final home game of the season. It’s Two for One Beverage Night presented by South 107. For ticket information call 706-378-5144 or log on to www.romebraves.com.