Summer at Grayson Stadium

It was a fun season attending the Savannah Bananas baseball games at Grayson Stadium. More than 90,000 fans attended the games setting records and there were 18 sell outs. 

One reason for the successful attendance records set this summer, was the excellant services by waitresses, ushers, and staff members. Staff had the mind set to make sure fans had a great experience every time they attended a game. Fans got to watch great baseball and were entertained between innings.

With the highly successful first season, fans are looking forward to an exciting season in 2017.

Savannah Bananas 2016 Championship trophy(CPL Petitt Cup).

Bananas win CPL Petitt Cup Championship

Congratulations to the Savannah Bananas winning the 2016 CPL Petitt Cup Championship Tuesday evening defeating the Peninsula Pilots 9-7 at Hampton, Va. It was a tremendous season for the first year team, with 18 sell outs, setting a record in attendance with over 90,000 fans, and finished with a record of 34-21.
Thanks to all the coaches and players for their contributions for my articles to publish on my blog.
I would like to thank the Savannah Bananas owners, Jesse and Emily Cole for providing me with a press pass to attend all home games to write my stories.
Look forward to another great season next year.

Savannah Bananas 8 Peninsula Pilots 4

The first game of the CPL Petitt Cup Championship series between the West  #1 seed Savannah Bananas and the East #1 seed Peninsula Pilots was played Sunday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of cheering crowd(2,467).
Excellant defense, timely hitting, and good pitching enabled Savannah to win the first game of the best two out of three game series, 8-4.
Peninsula got off to a fast start in the first inning. Will Shephard,rf(Liberty University) led off the game with a double and scored on a double by Kurt Sinnen,dh(Old Dominion). A sac fly by Darian Carpenter,1b(VCU) scored Sinnen.
Leading off the first inning for Savannah, Clay Dungan2b(Indiana State) hit a home run over the right field fence, his 4th home run for the season.
In the 5th inning Savannah scored 3 runs. Catcher Adam Gauthier(Dartmouth) singled and went to second when Jeff Nellis,ss(Cal State Long Beach) walked. Duncan singled to score the first run. Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) drove in 2 runs with a double.
Sending 8 players to the plate in the 6th inning, the Bananas scored 4 runs on 4 hits, and 2 errors.
Making it interesting in the 9th inning, Peninsula had the bases loaded and scored 2 runs on a single by Sinnen(he had 3 RBI's for the game.)
After giving up 2 runs in the first, Savannah starter Colby Weaver(Dallas Baptist) settled in, pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits, 6K's,  and 3BB. With the win his record is 5-0. Reliever Paul Kirpatrick(Western Kentucky) finished the game allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, 1BB, and 1 strike out.
The second game of the Championship will be played tomorrow evening at Peninsula ( Hampton, Va.) and if game 3 is necessary it will be played Tuesday evening at Peninsula.

                                Clay Dungan was 2-for-4 with 3RBI's and 3 runs scored

                                                 Clint Hardy was 2-for-4  with 3 RBI's

Championship Series

The Savannah Bananas host the Peninsula Pilots in game one of the best two-of- three Championship Series starting at 7:00pm Sunday at Grayson Stadium. Bananas pitching coach, Lendsey Thomson informed me that Colby Weaver is "penciled in" to start the game. Weaver has made 7 starts and his record is 4-0 with a 2.47 ERA. Appearing in 40 innings,  he has 35 K's. Opponents batting average is .171. He has no saves.

Savannah Bananas 2 Forest City Owls 0

The second round of the PCL Western Division Championship between the #1 seed the Savannah Bananas and the #2 seed the Forest City Owls was played Friday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of a good crowd(3,746).
Fans saw great pitching performances from both starting pitchers as their was no score until the bottom of the 8th inning. Both teams had 5 hits for the game. Savannah won 2-0 to win the West Division Championship.
In the 8th inning for Savannah, Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) singled followed by a home run, down the right field line hitting  the foul pole, by Jameson Hannah,dh(Dallas Baptist) for the 2-0 lead.
Bananas reliever, Paul Kirkpatrick(Western Kentucky) pitched the 9th inning and recorded his first save. He allowed 1 hit and the game ended with a double play.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Ryan Flores, was brilliant pitching a shutout for 8 innings, allowed 4 hits, walked 1 and recorded 10 strike outs. His record is now 5-0. After the game I talked with Flores and he said"all of my pitches were working." He reports "I am signing as a free agent with the New York Yankees."
Forest City pitcher, Ethan Carpenter(Tusculum College) pitched 7 shutout innings allowing 3 hits, 2 BB and 4 K's.
Savannah has reached the Championship Series which is the best two-out- three games to win the CPL Petitt Cup Championship. On Sunday Savannah will host the East Division Champions the #1 seed Peninsula Pilots with first pitch at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium. Game 2 will be on Monday at Peninsula and game 3, if necessary,  will be played on Tuesday at Peninsula.

                                            Ryan Flores with the win is 5-0 for the season.

                                            Jameson Hannah's home run in the 8th won the game.

Bananas play the Owls tonight

The Savannah Bananas play the Forest City Owls tonight at 7:00 pm at Grayson Stadium for the CPL Western Division Championship. Starting pitcher for Savannah, Ryan Flores. Starting the season, Flores was a reliever, but has 5 starts to his credit and his record is 4-0. He has struck out 42 batters in 36.2 innings pitched. Flores has 5 saves. Opponents batting average is a meager .212. His ERA is 2.21.

Savannah Bananas 3 Asheboro Copperheads 2

The first game of the CPL playoffs between the #1 seed the Savannah Bananas and the #4 seed the Asheboro Copperheads was played Wednesday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of a sold out crowd(4,021). Fans saw an exciting finish.
With the score tied at 2-2 after 8 innings, Savannah scored the winning run in the 9th inning to continue playing in the playoffs on Friday.
Asheboro scored 2 runs in the 2nd inning on 3 hits. Connor Lind,1b(Northwestern) doubled and scored on a double by Deivy Palmeiro,rf(Faulkner). A single by ctcher Joe Sabatini(Baylor) scored the second run.
In the 7th inning, Savannah loaded the bases on a hit batter and 2 walks. Jameson Hannah,dh(Dallas Baptist) singled to drive in 2 runs .
Leading off the 9th inning for the Bananas, Jeff Nellis,ss(Cal State Long Beach) was hit by a pitch- he was hit 3 consecutive times. A sac bunt by Clay Dungan,2b(Indiana State)advanced the runner to second and Nellis' alert base running went to third base when he saw no player was covering 3rd base. A base hit by Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) drove in the winning run. The first walk off victory.

Savannah starter Beau Sulser(Darthmouth) pitched a jewel for his final game for the Bananas this summer as he has exceeded his pitch count. Sulser pitched a complete game allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, walked 2 and struck out 11 batters to finish the season at 4-1. After the game I talked to Sulser about his outing and he said, "every pitch worked well except for my curveball" He had great control. In the 1st and 5th innings he struck out the side.
The Bananas had 8 hits for the game. Getting 2 hits each:Hardy, Hannah, and Christian Hollie,lf(UTA)
Savannah returns to Grayson Stadium Friday at 7:00pm to continue the playoffs and play the # 2 seed the Forest City Owls.

                                        Clint Hardy drives in the winning run in the 9th inning
                                                 Beau Sulser pitched 9 innings and recorded 11 K's

Banana stats

It has been a successful season for the Savannah Bananas and hopefully it continues into the playoffs. The team won 30 games and lost 20 games The Bananas earned the #1 seed in the playoffs starting Wednesday at Grayson Stadium starting at 7:00pm against the #4 seed the Asheboro Copperheads.
CPL League Leaders for the season:
Team Batting: Savannah tied for #1 with Peninsula .303
Team pitching: Savannah  2nd 3.56 ERA
Team Fielding: Savannah 2nd .967%
Individual Batting: 2nd Jameson Hannah .374
                               3rd Clint Hardy .364
Individual pitching: 1st lowest ERA 1.21 Beau Sulser
Triples: tied for 1st Clint Hardy 4
Congratulations to the players and coaches for a winning season.

Bananas first playoff game

The Savannah Bananas(#1seed)play their first playoff game August 10th, Wednesday at 7:00 pm at Grayson Stadium against the #4 seed Asheboro Copperheads.
Beau Sulser informed me he will be the starting pitcher Wednesday.
Normally a starter (5 starts), Sulser has been pitching out of the bull pen as a reliever lately to shut down the other teams and to preserve the win. He has 4 saves.
It has been a successful summer for Sulser. He has pitched 44.2 innings and recorded 51 strikeouts. His record is 3-1 and he has a 1.21 ERA. Opponents batting average is a paltry .167.

Savannah Bananas 5 Florence RedWolves 2

The final game of the regular season was played between the Savannah Bananas and the Florence RedWolves Saturday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of a sold out crowd which was the largest this season(4,329). Seventeen home games were sold out. It was announced that Savannah set a new CPL attendance record for a season with over 80,000 fans attending games at Grayson Stadium. Savannah is a # 1 seed which allows them to play the first playoff game at home Wednesday and play at home Friday if they win.
Once again Savannah played good defense, had timely hitting, and solid pitching to win 5-2.
Savannah wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the first inning scoring 2 runs. Jameson Hannah,dh(Dallas Baptist) singled and scored on a triple by Garrett Nelson,1b(Long Beach State). A single by Rylan Bannon,3b(Xavier) drove in the second run.
Florence scored a run in the 5th inning. Kody Ruedisili,lf(Wofford College) singled and stole second base. A throwing error by the pitcher allowed Ruedisili to score from second base.
The RedWolves scored their final run in the 7th inning.
With the bases loaded in the 7th inning for Savannah, Nick Chourby,cf(Texas A&M) walked scoring a run. Pinch hitter Christian Hollie(UTA) drove in 2 runs with a single.
Savannah had 10 hits for the game. Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) was 2-for-3 and made a great catch in deep right field near the fence.
Starting Savannah pitcher, Colby Weaver,(Dallas Baptist) pitched 6 1/3 innings allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, 4 K's and 1 BB. Reliever Beau Sulser(Darmouth College) finished the game striking out 5 batters and allowed 2 hits. With the win, Sulser is 3-1.
The playoff game starts Wednesday,  August 10th at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium. The playoff opponent from the Eastern Division has yet to be determined.

Pinch hitter Christian Hollie drove in 2 runs with a clutch single.

Savannah Bananas 4 Morehead City Marlins 0

The Savannah Bananas played the Morehead City Marlins Thursday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of a sold out crowd(4,276) CPL reports it was the largest crowd this season. . It was announced that 16 home games have been sold out.
Savannah utilized strong pitching, solid defense and timely hitting to win 4-0. The Bananas have an eight game winning streak and are peaking at the right  time getting ready for their first playoff game August 10th at Grayson Syadium.
In the first inning, Savannah took a 1-0 lead on a home run by Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) over the left field fence, his 4th home run of the season.
The Bananas scored their 2nd run in the 6th inning. Jameson Hannah,dh(Dallas Baptist) singled and advanced to third on a double by Angel Camacho,1b(Jacksonville). An intentional walk loaded the bases and Hannah scored on a sac fly by Christian Hollie,lf(UTA).
Savannah closed out their scoring in the 8th inning highlited by a single by Nick Chourby,cf(Texas A&M) driving in 2 runs.
With the win, starting Savannah pitcher Ryan Flores is 4-0 and lowered his ERA to 2.21. He pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, walked 4 batters and had 10 strikeouts. Flores recorded at least 1 strikeout in every inning he pitched. When I asked him about his performance he stated, "My fastball, curve ball, and slider were all working"
The fielding play of the game occurred in the 3rd inning when Savannah left fielder Hollie caught a ball with his back near the fence. He stated if he did not catch the ball, "it would probably hit on the top of the fence and fall over the fence for a home run".
The Savannah bull pen, Jesse Bogacz(Kenyon College) and Beau Sulser(Dartmouth College)pitched the last 2 innings and did not give up a hit.
The next home game for Savannah is Saturday, August 6th against the Florence RedWolves starting at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium. This game is sold out.

Savannah Bananas 8 Lexington County Blowfish 1

The Savannah Bananas played the Lexington County Blowfish Friday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of a sold out crowd(4,279). Fourteen games have been sold out this season.  Savannah beat Lexington 8-1 and they are in first place in the CPL West Division.  They have won 5 games in a row.
Lexington scored their run in the 5th inning when catcher Clint Carr(Valdosta State) doubled to score Samuel Brooks,,lf(Bethune Cookman) who led off the inning with a single.
Savannah scored their first run in the 3rd inning. Catcher Adam Gauthier(Dartmouth) doubled, advanced to third on a pass ball, and scored on a single by Nick Chourby,cf(Texas A&M)
In the 5th inning Savannah scored 3 runs. A single by Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) drove in the first run. A triple by Garret Nelson,1b(Long Beach State) plated 2 runs.
The Bananas scored 2 runs in the 6th inning and 2 runs in the 8th inning.
Making his final appearance for Savannah, Drew Moody(Georgia)was masterful pitching a complete game allowing  only 1 run on 9 hits, 6K's, and 1 BB. Moody reached his pitch count for the season and finished strong(W4-2).
Savannah had 11hits for the game and the leading hitters: Gauthier who was 3-for-3 and scored 3 runs;Chourby  was 3-for-4 with 1 RBI and a run scored.
The next home game for the Bananas is against the Morehead City Marlins on August 4th starting at 7:00 pm at Grayson Stadium. It is reported very few tickets remain for the home games.

                          Drew Moody pitched a complete came on a hot night at Grayson
                                           Adam Gauthier was 3-for-3 and scored 3 runs

Savannah Bananas win double header

The Savannah Bananas played a double header against the Gastonia Grizzlies Wednesday at Grayson Stadium in front of 4,069 fans, the thirteen sell out. It was Bark in the Park night with Daisy).
Savannah won the first game 1-0 and won the second game 6-1.
Game 1:
The only run of the game was scored by Savannah in the 2nd inning. Nick Chourby,(Texas A&M) reached base on an error and scored from second base on a single by Connor Stephens,lf(Jacksonville).
Bananas starting pitcher, Garrett Lovorn(Clemson) pitched  4shutout innings, allowed 1hit, 3K's and walked 6 batters. Pitching the last three innings, Paul Kirpatrick,(Western Kentucky) and Beau Sulser(Darmouth College) did not allow a hit.
Game 2:
Gastonia scored their loan run in the 3rd inning. Jimmy Howell,ss(Kennesaw State) singled and latter scored from 3rd base on an error by the third baseman.  The leading hitter for the Grizzlies was third baseman Matt Simmons(Gardner-Webb) with 2 singles(team had 4 hits).
Savannah scored 2 runs in the 3rd inning. A single by Jamerson Hannah,dh(Dallas Baptist) drove in  2 runs.
Sending 10 batters to the plate in the 5th inning, Savannah scored 4 runs. Two runs scored on sac flies by Hannah and Clay Dungan,2b(Indiana State). Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University stole home. A single by catcher Carson Wain(Wooford College) scored the 4th run.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Corey Beard(Delta State University) W,(3-2 ) pitched a complete game gem allowed 1 unearned run on 4 hits, 0 BB, and struck out 6 batters.
The next home game for the Bananas is this Friday against the Lexington County Blowfish starting at 7:00 pm at Grayson Stadium.

                                                     Corey Beard pitches a complete game.

Savannah Bananas 8 Lexington County Blowfish 4

The Savannah Bananas played the Lexington County Blowfish Saturday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of a sold out crowd(4,000 plus).  It was announced that 12 of 16 home games have been sold out.
Savannah built an early lead and held off a late rally by Lexington to win 8-4.
Leading off the game for Savannah, Clay Dungan,2b(Indiana State) walked which was followed by a home run over the left field fence by Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta State). It was his 2nd home run of the season.
The Bananas added 2 more runs in the 2nd inning.
Lexington County scored their first run in the 4th inning when Chas McCormick,rf(Millersville University) doubled and scored on a single by Jabari Richards,cf(Furman).
Savannah scored 3 runs in the 4th inning. Connor Stevenson,lf(Jacksonville) singled, stole second base and scored on a double by Jamerson Hannah,dh(Dallas Baptist). A home run over the right field fence by Garret Nelson,1b(Long Beach State) scored Hannah. Nelson has 5 home runs this year which leads the team. The final run for the Bananas was scored in the 8th inning.
The second run for Lexington was scored in the 7th inning. Derek Olenchuk,2b(Newberry) singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a wild pitch. The Blowfish closed out their scoring in the 8th inning scoring 2 runs.
The Bananas bats were hot as the banged out 10 hits. Hardy was the leading hitter with a HR, triple, single and 3 RBI's. Hardy also made an outstanding catch in right field crashing into the fence.
It was a solid pitching performance by Savannah starter, Coby Weaver(Dallas Baptist).The lefty won his 3rd game of the season.(3-0).
The next home game for Savannah is a double header with the Gastonia Grizzlies on Wednesday(July  27th) starting at 6:00pm at Grayson Stadium.

                                                  Clint Hardy HR, triple, and single.

Asheboro Copperheads 5 Savannah Bananas 3

The Savannah Bananas played the Asheboro Copperheads Thursday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of a sold out crowd(4,317).
After 8 innings Asheville was leading 3-2. In the 9th the Copperheads scored 2 runs and the Bananas scored 1 run: final score Asheville won 5-3
With the bases loaded in the 4th inning, Zach Duff,dh(Radford) tripled to drive in 3 runs for Asheville. Duff drove in 1 of the 2 runs in the 9th inning for the Copperheads.
Savannah scored their first run in the 2nd inning without a hit. Christian Hollie,dh(UTA) walked, stole second, and scored on an error by the shortstop.
In the 6th inning, the Bananas scored their second run. Rylan Bannon,3b(Xavier) doubled, went to third on a pass ball, and scored on a pass ball.
Pinch hitting in the 9th inning for Savannah, a single by Jameson Hannah(Dallas Baptist) drove in   the final run.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Corey Beard, L,(2-2)(Delta State University) pitched 7 innings, allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, 3 BB, and struck out 4 batters.
The Bananas had 6 hits for the game. Bannon was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 runs scored.
The next game for Savannah is Saturday against the Lexington County Blowfish at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium. It was announced that this game is sold out.

Martinsville Mustangs 5 Savannah Bananas 4

The Savannah Bananas played the Martinsville Mustangs Monday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of 2,084  fans.
Martinsville held off a Savannah rally in the 9th inning and won 5-4.
Leading off the game for the Mustangs, Luke Mangieri,1b(Bradley University) doubled, went to third  on a ground out, and scored on  pass ball. A single by Mangieri in the 5th inning scored 2 runs. In the 8th inning, Martinsville scored 2 runs.
Savannah scored 3 runs in the 6th inning. A walk, single by Nick Chourby,cf(Texas A&M), and another walk loaded the bases. A single by Jamerson Hannah,lf(Dallas Baptist) scored the first run. Logan Moody,rf(Georgia) drew a base on ball allowing the second run to score. The third run scored on a walk to Rylan Bannon,3b(Xavier).
The final run for Savannah was scored in the 9th inning. With the bases loaded in the 9th and 2 outs, the game ended with a strikeout.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Beau Sulser(Darmouth College) pitched 7 innings, allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, 1BB, and struck out 9 batters. Reliever Addison Albright(Georgia),(L,0-3) pitched 1 inning, allowed 2 runs on 3 hits.
The Bananas had 8 hits for the game: Chourby was 4-for-4, with a double, a run scored and a stolen base.
Savannah returns home to play the Asherboro Copperheads Thursday evening at 7:00 pm at Grayson Stadium.

                                                           Nick Chourby was 4-for-4
                                                            Beau Sulser recorded 9 K's

Holly Springs Salamanders 8 Savannah Bananas 6

The Savannah Bananas played the Holly Springs Salamanders Friday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of a sold out crowd(4,202).
Holly Springs rallied in the 9th inning to win 8-6.
Sending 9 batters to the plate in the 2nd inning, the Salamanders scored 4 runs on 1 hit, a batter hit by a pitch, 2 errors, and 2 base on balls.
Savannah scored a run in the 2nd inning. Christian Hollie,dh(UTA) was hit by a pitch, stole second, reached 3rd base and scored  on a throwing error by the catcher
In the4th inning, Hollie singled, stole second and scored on a double by Angel Camacho,3b(Jacksonville).
The Bananas scored in the 5th inning when Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) led off the inning with   a triple and scored on a ground out.
Holly Springs scored 2 runs in the 8th inning to take a 6-3 lead.
Savannah had 2 runners reach base on walks in the 8th inning, when Camacho  hit a home run over the left field fence to tie the game at 6-6.
The Salamanders scored 2 runs in the 9th inning with no hits.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Garrett Lovorn, pitched 4.1 innings, allowed 4 runs( 2 earned), on 5 hits, walked 5, and struck out 4 batters.
Savannah had 7 hits for the game and the leading hitter was Camacho who was 2-for-4 with 4 RBI's.
Holly Springs had 11 hits for the game. Getting 3 hits each: Dillon Stewart,lf(UNC Greensboro) and Bryce Harman,1b(East Carolina).
The next game for Savannah is Monday, July 18 against the Martinsville Mustangs at 7::00 pm at Grayson Stadium.

Savannah/ Gastonia split double header

The Savannah Bananas played the Gastonia Grizzlies Wednesday in a double header at Grayson Stadium.
Gastonia won  the opening game 5-4 and Savannah won the second game 3-0, as their 2 hits for the game were key hits.
Game one:
The Grizzlies got off to a fast start scoring 3 runs in the 1st inning highlited by a triple by Matt Simmons,3b(Gardner-Webb) driving in two runs.
With 2 outs in the 4th inning, 3 consecutive singles loaded the bases for Savannah. Cal Baker,ss(Georgia Southern) drove in a run with a single and 2 runs scored on a single by catcher Adam Gauthier(Dartmouth).
Gastonia scored 2 runs in the 6th inning on 2 doubles and a single.
Savannah scored their final run in the 5th inning.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Drew Moody,L,3-2(Georgia) pitched 7 innings, allowed 5 runs on 7 hits striking out 1 batter and 1 BB.

Game Two:
Leading off for Savannah in the first inning, Jameson Hannah,lf(Dallas Baptist) hit a home run over the right field fence(his 3rd home run of the season). For the night, Hannah was 2-for3 and also had a triple with 4 walks, 2 RBI's and scored 3 runs.
With the bases loaded in the 6th inning, Rylan Bannon3b(Xavier) doubled to drive in the final 2 runs for the Bananas.
Making his second start for Savannah, Ryan Flores,W2-0(Richland College) pitched 6 shutout innings, allowed 4 hits 2BB, and struck out 7 batters. Reliever Beau Sulser(Dartmouth)faced 3 batters in the 7th inning and struck out two batters. Sulser earned his first save of the season.
The announced attendance was 1957.
Savannah returns home Friday at Grayson Stadium at 7:00pm to play the Holly Springs Salamanders. This game is sold out.
                                                      Jameson Hannah and Beau Sulser

East 4 West 3

The CPL All Star game was played last night in Fayetteville, N.C.  The West team outhit the East 7-5, but the East won 4-3.

Five Savannah Bananas players played last night. Logan Moody was 2-for-2 with 1 RBI, Beau Sulser pitched 1 inning struck out 2 and did not allow a hit. Clint Hardy was 0-2 and scored a run. Clay Dungan and Jameson Hannah both were hit less in two at bats.

                                                              Logan Moody

Banana Earrings

My friend Sally is a Savannah Bananas season ticket holder. At the game Saturday evening, I noticed Sally had a new look, she was wearing Banana earrings. Sally said a friend of hers made the Banana earrings. 

Savannah Bananas 8 Lexington County Blowfish 1

The Savannah Bananas played the Lexington County Blowfish Saturday evening at Grayson Stadium  in front of a sold out crowd(4,221). It was the largest crowd in franchise history. Ten home games have been sold out.
Friday on the road the Bananas beat the Blowfish 9-1 and tonight at home Savannah won 8-1.
Savannah scored the first run of the game in the 2nd inning when Christian Hollie,dh(UTA)  hit a home fun over the left center field fence, his 3rd home run of the season which leads the team.
Lexington scored their run in the 3rd inning when Chas McCormick,cf(Millersville University) hit a triple and scored on a sac fly.
It was a big 4th inning for the Bananas sending 11 batters to the plate scoring 5 runs on 6 hits.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Colby Weaver(W, 2-0)  pitched 5 innings allowed only 1 run on 2hits struck out 5 and walked 6 batters. Reliever Christian Vann pitched 3 innings allowing no hits. Closer Samuel Fichthorn faced 4 batters, walking 1 batter and recorded the final 3 outs.
The Bananas banged out 14 hits. Leading hitter was catcher, Adam Gauthier(Dartmouth) who was 4-for-4 with 2 runs scored. Four Savannah batters had 2 hits each.
Savannah returns to action following the All Star break, playing a double header against the Gastonia Grizzlies on Wednesday July 13th at Grayson Stadium with the first game starting at 6:00pm.

                                               Christian Hollie homered in the second inning

                            Bananas assistant coach Jimmy Brenneman talks about the win

Sean West announced as All Star coach for the West Team

Congradulations to Savannah Bananas Head Coach Sean West being named as a coach for the West team in the CPL All Star game July 10-11 at J.P. Riddle Stadium home to the Fayetteville SwampDogs in Fayetteville, N.C.  Coach West and his staff  have had a great first half  season with a winning  record(18-11) and the team is batting .310 which probably leads the league.  Great Job.

Savannah Bananas 3 Florence RedWolves 2

The Savannah Bananas played the Florence RedWolves Thursday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of 3,143 fans. It was a thrilling finish, with Savannah winning 3-2.
Savannah led 3-0 going into the 9th inning and the RedWolves rallied to score 2 runs to close out the scoring.
In the 4th inning, Savannah scored 2 runs. Garret Nelson,1b(Long Beach State) walked, stole second and scored on a single by Cal Baker,ss(Georgia Southern). A sac fly scored the second run.
The Bananas scored a run in the 5th inning: Christian Hollie,dh(UTA) singled, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher. An infield single by Connor Sthephens,cf(Jacksonville) scored Hollie.
The Bananas had 7 hits for the game: Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) was 3-for-4 with a double and 2 singles.
It was a stellar pitching performance by Savannah starter, Beau Sulser(Darthmouth College) who pitched 8 shutout innings, allowed 5 hits, 1BB, and had 6 strike outs. When interviewed after the game,  Sulser states he will pitch 1 inning next week at the Coastal Plain League All Star game in Fayetteville, N.C.
With the bases loaded in the 9th inning for the RedWolves, Allan Beer,2b(Bradley) drove in the final 2 runs of the game with a single.
The next home game for Savannah is this Saturday against the  Lexington County Blowfish at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium.

                                                    Beau Sulser pitched 8 shutout innings
Bananas head coach Sean West talks about the win

Rylan Bannon

. 

The Savannah Bananas third baseman, Rylan Bannon is having fun on the field and off the field this summer.

The July 4th game against Wilmington, Bannon was 3-for-4 and raised his batting average to .327. He also made several outstanding defensive plays at third base.

After the game, he talked about living  with his host family this summer.

                                   Rylan Bannon is currently batting .327

Wilmington Sharks 3 Savannah Bananas 1

The Savannah Bananas played the Wilmington Sharks July 4th at Grayson Stadium in front of 4,186 fans. The game was sold out and it was announced that 9 of 12 Savannah home games have been sold out.
Wilmington won the game 3-1. The Bananas had several opportunities to score but could not get a clutch hit.
Sharks starting pitcher, Mike Castellani(Bucknell) pitched 8 solid innings, allowed only 1 run on 7 hits,  struck out 4 batters and walked  one. His record now is 6-1.
Wilmington scored 2 runs in the 4th inning. Madison Stokes,2b(South Carolina) singled and scored on a home run by catcher Ryan Jeffers(UNCW) over the left field fence. The Sharks added their third run in the 7th inning.
Savannah scored their run in the 8th inning. Jameson Hannah,lf(Dallas Baptist singled, went to second on a single by Rylan Bannon,3b(Xavier) and scored on a single by Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University).
For the game, Savannah had 8 hits. Hannah was 2-for-4 with a run scored, Bannon was 3-for-4 with 2 singles and a double, and Hardy was 2-for -4 with an RBI.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Drew Moody(Georgia) (L,3-1) pitched 7 innings, allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, walked two, struck out 5 batters.
The next home game for the Bananas is this Thursday against the Florence RedWolves at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium.

                                                        Rylan Bannon was 3-for-4

                                                       Jameson Hannah was 2-for-4

Savannah Bananas 16 Fayetteville SwampDogs 0

The Savannah Bananas played the Fayetteville SwampDogs Friday  evening at Grayson Stadium in front of 3,174 fans.
Savannah had 15  hits and won  the game 16-0.
In the 3rd inning, the Bananas scored 2 runs: with the bases loaded a walk scored a run and a ground out scored another run.
It was a big 4th inning for the Bananas as they sent 17 batters to the plate scoring 12 runs on 9 hits and they took advantage of 4 base on balls. Highlites of the inning: Jameson Hannah,lf(Dallas Baptist) hit 2 doubles and drove in 4 runs and had 2 stolen bases. A double by Clay Dungan,2b(Indiana State) drove in 3 runs. Logan Moody,1b(Georgia) had 2 hits and 2RBI's, Nick Chourby,cf(TexasA&M) had 2 hits and drove in a run.
Leading off the 5th for Savannah, Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) hit a home run over the left field fence. In the 8th inning the Bananas scored their final run.
Making his first start for Savannah, Ryan Flores(Richland College) pitched 5 shutout innings allowed 5 hits and struck out 6 batters. Flores(W,1-0) has been a closer this season in the bullpen. Coach West said Flores would get more starts, probably in one game  of a double header game which are 7 innings.
Bananas reliever Jesse Bogacz(Kenyon College) pitched 4 shutout innings, struck out 3 and allowed 3 hits.
Fayetteville had 8  hits for the game and their leading hitters were Dan Neff,cf(Millersville) and Frankie Jezioro,lf(Slippery Rock) with 2 hits each.
Savannah returns home July 4th to host the  Willmington Sharks starting at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium. It was announced that this game will probably be sold out.

                                                           Ryan Flores gets his first win
Clint Hardy was 3-for-4 with a single, double, and home run, 2 runs scored and 1 RBI

Adam Scott

Savannah Bananas starting pitcher, Adam Scott has been shut down for the season because he reached his pitch count. He appeared in 5 games and won four games and lost one. Scott completed 2 games. Teams were batting .224 against the lefty. In 30.1 innings he struck out 34 batters. His ERA was 3.86. Well done.

Savannah Bananas win double header

The Savannah Bananas played a double header Wednesday against the Gastonia Grizzlies at Grayson Stadium.
Prior to the first game, the Bananas had a team batting average of .312 which led the CPL.
Savannah continued their torrid hitting in the first game winning 16-5 and won the second game 8-3.
Game 1
Gastonia scored 2 runs in the 1st inning. A single by Harris Yett,3b(Walters State) drove in a run nod he scored on a sac fly. The Grizzlies added a run in the 3rd, and 2 runs in the 6th inning.
Savannah scored  a run in the 1st inning. Jameson Hannah walked, stole second, went to third on a ground out and scored on a sac fly. In the 2nd inning Logan Moody,1b(Georgia) led off with a double went to third on a single by Cal Baker,ss(Georgia Southern)  and scored on a ground out.
It was a big inning for the Bananas in the 3rd inning as they sent 12 batters to the plate scoring 6 runs on 3 hits, 2 errors, and 4 base on balls.
Savannah added 4 runs in the 4th inning, 2 runs in the 5th inning, and 2 runs in the 6th inning.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Garret Lovorn,(W, 1-2),  (Clemson) pitched 5 innings, allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, 3 K, and walked 3 batters.

Game 2
Savannah took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning when Jamerson Hannah,lf(Dallas Baptist) hit a towering home run over the right center field fence.
Gastonia scored their three runs in the 4th inning.
The Bananas sent 9 players to the plate in the 4th inning and scored 4 runs on 1 hit and received 4 base on balls.
A triple by Garret Nelson,1b(Long Beach State) drove in 2 runs for Savannah in the 6th inning and Nelson scored on a wild pitch.
Savannah starting pitcher, Adam Scott(Wofford), W, 4-1, pitched a complete game, allowed 3 runs on  3 hits, walked 2 and had 9 strike outs. It was Scott's last pitching performance this summer for the Bananas as he has been shut down because of the number of innings he pitched for Wofford.
The announced attendance was 1,479
The next home game for Savannah is this Friday against the Fayetteville Swamp Dogs at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium.

Cal Baker was 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored and 1RBI in the first game.
Bananas head coach Sean West talks about the wins.

Bananas pitching coach Lendsey Thomson

I am happy to announce that Bananas pitching coach, Lendsey Thomson will be a writer for the Savannah Bananas 2016 Blog. Thomson finished his pitching career at Bradley University. In 2012 he graduated from law school at Oklahoma City University School of Law and practiced law in Oklahoma City for three years. Currently he is an assistant coach at Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, Kansas. Looking forward to reading Coach Thomson's articles.

Savannah Bananas 26 Forest City Owls 4

The Savannah Bananas played the Forest City Owls Saturday evening in front of  4,096 fans(the game was sold out). Eight out of nine home games have been sold out.
It was a hot night at the stadium and Savannah's hot bats banged out 29 hits and they won the game 26-4.
Forest City scored 2 runs in the first inning. In the bottom of the first Savannah sent 13 batters to the plate and scored 9 runs on 9 hits. Getting 2 hits each for the Bananas in the 1st: Jeff Nellis,2b(Cal State Long Beach), and Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University)
The Bananas scored 7 runs in the 2nd inning, 2 runs in the 3rd inning, and 5 runs in the 5th inning.
The Owls scored a run in the 5th inning when catcher Nick Tierno(Delaware) hit a triple and scored on a ground out.
Both teams scored a run in the 6th on solo home runs. Center fielder for the Owls, Connor Grant(Charleston) hit a home run over the left field fence. Pinch hitter for the Bananas, Garret Nelson(Long Beach State) hit a home run over the right field fence.
Savannah scored their final 2 runs in the 7th inning.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Corey Beard, (W,2-0) pitched 7 solid innings, allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, 2BB, and struck out 7 batters. Reliever Jesse Bogacz(Kenyon College) was spectacular striking out 5 out of the 6 batters he faced.
The next home game for Savannah is a double header next Wednesday against the Gastonia Grizzlies starting at 6:00pm at Grayson Stadium.

                                                    Jeff Nellis had 2 hits in the first inning.

Banana,s pitching coach Lendsey Thomson talks about the win.

Florence RedWolves 8 Savannah Bananas 7

The Savannah Bananas played the Florence RedWolves Thursday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of 4,027)fans. Another sell out. Seven out of eight home games has been sold out.
Savannah rallied in the 7th inning and 9th inning but came up short losing to Florence 8-7.
After 2 outs in the first inning, Savannah scored a run on a walk to Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University). who advanced to second on a single by Garret Nelson,1b(Long Beach State), and scored on a single by Rylan Bannon,3b(Xavier).
Florence scored a run in the 3rd inning and Savannah answered in the bottom of the 3rd  scoring a run , Clay Dungan,2b(Indiana State) doubled and scored on a single by Bannon.
In the 5th inning for the RedWolves, they sent 8 players to the plate, and scored 3 runs with the help of 4 base on balls.  Florence added 3 runs in the 6th inning and 1 run in the 9th inning.
The leading hitter for the Bananas was Bannon who went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI's and a run scored.
Savannah starting pitcher, Garret Lovan, (L,0-2), pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowed 3 runs(2 earned), on 2 hits, walked 6 batters, and had 6 strikeouts.
Florence had 10 hits for the game  and their leading hitter was Bobby Campbell,1b(George Washington) who was 3-for-3 with a double, and 2 RBI's.
The next home game for Savannah is this Saturday against Forest City Owls starting at 7:00 pm at Grayson Stadium.( this game is expected to be sold out).

                                                    Rylan Bannon was 4-for-5

Jimmy Brenneman, assistant coach, talks about the game.

Savannah Bananas 7 Wilson Tobs 5

The Savannah Bananas played the Wilson Tobs Monday evening at Grayson Stadium in front of 4,012 fans.(6th sellout in 7 games).

The top three Savannah hitters accounted for 7 of the 11 hits for the game and helped Savannah win7-5.

Wilson scored 2 runs in the 2nd inning and 1 run in the 4th inning. Tyler Howsley,ss(UC San Diego) drove in 2 of the three runs. In the 7th inning, Wilson added 2 more runs.

With the bases loaded in the 3rd inning, Savannah scored their first run on a sac fly to centerfield by Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University).

In the 4th inning, Savannah scored 3 runs on a RBI double  by Jameson Hannah,cf(Dallas Baptist) and a single by Clay Dungan,2b(Indiana State) plated 2 runs.

Savannah scored a run in the 6th,7th, and 8th inning.

Starting pitcher for Savannah, Drew Moody(Georgia) pitched  6 innings, allowed 3 runs (2ER) on 7 hits, 3BB, and struck out one batter.

The Bananas leading hitters:Dungan was 3-for-4 with 2RBI's , a run scored and a stolen base. Hardy was 2-for-3 with a stolen base and 3 RBI's , and Hannah was 2-for-4 with a single, double, 1RBI ,  stolen base, and 2 runs scored.
Savannah turned 3 double plays to stop several rallies by Wilson.

The next game for Savannah is this Thursday at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium against the Florence RedWolves.

                                                    Clay Dungan
Note:
Monday was 'Bark in the Park night'. Attending games at Grayson Stadium for the past 10 years, last night was the most dogs(over 400) at the ball park. It was amazing how well behaved the dog were walking around the grandstand.

Savannah Bananas/Holly Springs Salamanders game rained out

The game between the Savannah Bananas and the Holly Springs Salamanders Friday evening at Grayson Stadium was rained out.

The next Bananas home game is Monday at 7:00pm against the Wilson Tobs at Grayson Stadium. It was announced that fans at the rain out game tonight can use their tickets for Monday's game. The game Monday is 'Bark in the Park' which is hosted by Bananas team Bat Dog, Daisy.

                                  Team bat dog Daisy

Savannah Bananas split DH with the Gastonia Grizzlies

The Savannah Bananas played a double header Wednesday at Grayson Stadium against the Gastonia Grizzlies. Both games were 7 inning games.
Savannah won the first game 5-0 and lost the second game 1-0.
Game one:
Savannah scored their first run in the 4th inning with 2 outs when Christian Hollie,dh(UTA) hit a home run over the left field fence(his 2nd home run of the season). In the 5th inning, Savannah added 4 runs highlited by RBI singles by Cal Baker,ss(Georgia Southern) and Braden Shewmake,3b(Texas A&M). A triple by Clint Hardy,rf(Augusta University) scored 2 runs.
Starting pitcher for Savannah, Adam Scott(Wofford), (W,2-1), pitched a complete game shut out, allowing only 5 hits, 2BB, and striking out six batters.

Game two:
Gastonia scored the only run of the game in the 3rd inning when Taylor Allum,rf(Kennesaw State) led off with a double, went to third on a ground out and scored on a fielders choice.
Savannah starter, Beau Sulser,(Darmouth College) L,0-1 pitched a complete game, allowing 1 run on 3 hits, struck out 9 and walked 1 batter.
Starting pitcher for Gastonia, Barrett Loseke,(W,2-1) (Arkansas), pitched 6 shutout innings, allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and had 7 strikeouts.
The announced attendance was 2,156.
The next Bananas home game is this Friday at 7:00pm at Grayson Stadium against the Holly Springs Salamanders (it was announced that this game is sold out).

Christian Hollie homers against the Grizzlies, his 2d HR of the season.