By NYFS Staff
July 2, 2009 - Carson Tosses A Gem In Sand Gnats Win

Left handed pitcher Robert Carson (6-5) threw an eight-inning, four hitter to help Savannah to a, 3-1, win over the Asheville Tourists Wednesday night at Historic Grayson Stadium.  The eight-inning outing by the Hattiesburg, Miss. native is the longest outing of the year by any Savannah pitcher.

Rhiner Cruz hit David Christensen to start the ninth but battled through a Wilmer Flores error to secure his 12th save of the season.  The tying runs were on the bases when Cruz struck out Beau Seabury, who was 3-for-4 on Tuesday, to end the game.  The Santo Domingo, D.R. native has converted on every save opportunity this season.

Carson scattered four his over his eight innings of work and allowed just one run in a career-long outing.  It’s the first time that a Sand Gnats pitcher has thrown eight innings since Maikel Cleto tossed a nine-inning complete game on May 22, 2008 in Augusta.  He now leads the staff with six victories.

Raul Reyes smacked a three-run home run to supply all of the Sand Gnats offense in the game.  His second-inning blast with two away just cleared the fence in right field.  It would actually be the last hit that the Sand Gnats would register in the evening.

Tourists’ starter Jonathan Aristil (0-5) failed to pick up his first win of the year despite putting up six innings of three-hit baseball.  With the win Savannah snaps their four-game losing streak as well as Asheville’s winning streak.

With the series tied at one, Savannah (3-4, 38-39) sends RHP Kyle Allen (5-3, 4.26) to the hill in search of his sixth win.  Asheville will counter with fellow righty Parker Frazier (4-5, 5.25) in the 7 p.m. duel.  It’s a Thirsty Thursday presented by Connect Savannah and Rock 106.1 with half-price beer and soda throughout the evening.  For tickets and more information, visit www.sandgnats.com or call 912.351.9150.