Following the lead of the Sandgnats 21 and 35 teams, the Sand Gnats 45 team opened its season with a big offensive performance.

Unlike the other Gnats teams, the 45-team couldn't start with a win.

The 45 Gnats built a 7-0 lead early only to have the game end in an 11-all tie against the defending champ Pittsboro A's.

The Gnats scored a run in the third and then six in the fourth to take a 7-0 lead. The A's chipped away, scoring two in the fourth, four in the fifth, two in the sixth and two in the seventh to take a 10-7 lead.

The Gnats responded in the top of the ninth with four runs to take an 11-10 lead, but couldn't hold it. A walk, stolen base, sacrifice bunt and fielder's choice groundout tied the score in the bottom of the night.

The game was called because of time limit rules.

Hitting stars for the 45 Gnats included Eric Norton, who was 3-for-5 with three doubles and five RBIs and two stolen bases. Dennis Groff had two hits, two RBIs, and scored two runs. Stan Cummings had three hits, Randy Calcutt added two hits and scored two runs, Wayne Garner scored twice and Jeff Rayford had a double and scored two runs.

The 45 team is back in action Wednesday when it travels to Smithfield to play the Carolina Reds.

The 35 team also played the defending champs, the Pittsboro Marlins. And like the 45 team, the 35 Gnats built a big early lead and couldn't hold it as the Marlins rallied to win, 13-9.

Offensive standouts for the Gnats included Ray Hutchens, who had three hits and scored two runs, and Jason Lowe, who was 2 for 3 with two runs, adding an RBI with a double. Greg Patterson had two hits, scored two runs and had an RBI. The 35 team plays at 9 a.m. Sunday in Pittsboro against the Carolina Brewers.

Pitching was the name of the game in the 21 Gnats game. The Gnats defeated the Giants 1-0 in 10 innings. The lone run scored on an error and three consecutive walks. Sandgnat starter Jason Goodwin was masterful in pitching nine scoreless innings, striking out 11, while only allowing four hits and two walks. Chris Nolan picked up the win, by throwing a three up, three down 10th inning, improving to 2-0 on the season. The next 21-Sandgnat game will at 12:30 p.m. Sunday in Raleigh when it takes on the Capitals.