Power Use Big Fourth to Defeat Sand Gnats

The West Virginia Power returned home for a six-game homestand on July 17 and started the series with a bang. The Power scored four runs in the fourth inning off of four hits and got a good performance from South Atlantic League all-star pitcher Tyler Glasnow in defeating the Savannah Sand Gnats 8-1.

The game featured two of the league’s top pitchers with Glasnow and SAL wins leader Gabriel Yona on the mound for Savannah. Glasnow got the best of the matchup, going five strong innings, only allowing one run on five hits.

Early on, it looked as if the game would be everything that was expected in the pitching duel. The two teams were tied 1-1 entering the fourth, with both pitchers looking strong. Appalachian Power Park fan favorite Rod “The Toastman” Blackstone was busy early, tossing burns as Glasnow struck out three of the first eight batters, ending with six strikeouts on the evening. Glasnow really had his stuff working in the third, snapping off the bat handles of three Sand Gnats hitters and getting three weak ground ball outs while littering the infield with useless lumber.

In the bottom of the fourth, Power catcher Kawika Emsley-Pai broke the game open with a two-run double. He was later singled in by second basemen Dilson Herrera. The Power took a 5-1 advantage. It was all the team would need.

Glasnow added another strong inning, then relievers Ryan Hafner and Bryton Trepagnier each went two scoreless innings to secure the Power victory. The Power added three extra insurance runs, one in the fifth, and two in the seventh, and improved to 13-11 in the second half of the season. The Sand Gnats entered the game with the best record in the SAL at 53-40.

The Power will play 14 of its next 18 games at home, including the current six game homestand. For tickets or more information, call 304-344-2287. The Power will play 14 of their next 18 games at home, including the current six game home stand. For tickets or more information, call 304-344-2287.