CRYSTAL LAKE HERALD
SPORTS – GNATS NOW
Sandgnats Move Within 2 games of PEBA Championship
Updated: November 6, 2024 – 11:45PM CST
By Howard Heskin, Staff Writer – Twitter @HowardHeskin1
The Sandgnats will return to Ellison Field at Dole Park with a 2-0 game lead in the best of seven series. The Sandgnats will have a chance to close out the series at home with the next 3 games scheduled at Ellison Field. The Mayor Manuel Corona will take the field for game 3, Francisco 'Yogi' Robles is slated for game 4, and it is rumored that Mr Nice Guy Tony Cuellar will start game 5, if necessary, given that Alfredo Vasquez suffered a shoulder injury in game 2. He will have the benefit of 5 days rest and be good to go if need be. With the Vasquez injury, GM RJ Ermola was mum about who would start game 6 at the post game press conference along side Manager Joe Matterson. Corona would be ready to go for game 7 on 5 days rest. "RJ and I are focused on the next game back at home. One game at a time." said Matterson when pressed about what move he might make. Vasquez left game 2 with shoulder soreness and has been listed by the training staff as out 2-3 weeks. "Look, I'm 35 and 312 days old... my shoulder just gave out..." stated Vasquez in the locker room after the game.
The bullpen has stepped up in this series given that both starters were unable to make it past the 4th inning of both games. Dave Jones stepped up in the first two games on the road with 1 win and 1 save over 4 innings with no walks and no runs allowed. The former starter has found a home as a high leverage starter toward the end of this season. The Doberman has teamed up with Jones notching 3 innings with 1 win, no walks and no runs allowed. Yogi's best friend Norhide Yamamoto has lit up his bat with 4 hits, 4 RBIs, and a 1.375OPS. The 35 year old catcher is posting a strong showing this playoffs putting down strong leverage for some rumored high demands for a contract extension. Wilson Muñóz has continued his all-star playoff performances with 4 hits in 7 at bats. Jerry Long's bat defrosted after he launched a home run in the 1st inning of game one. Josh Shaffer also launched a home run in the 3rd inning of game two.
GO GNATS!
Sandgnats Move Within 2 games of PEBA Championship
- Sandgnats
- All-Star
- Posts: 1648
- Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2016 5:52 pm
- Location: Spokane, Washington State, United States of America
Sandgnats Move Within 2 games of PEBA Championship
RJ Ermola
Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations
Crystal Lake Sandgnats
*2024 PEBA Champions*
Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations
Crystal Lake Sandgnats
*2024 PEBA Champions*