As the summer heats up, the Sand Gnats semi-pro baseball teams are looking to stay in contention for a league title.

Both the Sand Gnats 21 and 45 teams are in second place in their respective divisions of the Central Carolina Men's Senior Baseball League.

The 45 Gnats moved to within a game of the division leader, the Raleigh Red Sox, thanks to a convincing 8-1 win this past weekend over the Apex Athletics. Randy Calcutt pitched a complete game to earn the win, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out five.

He also had a strong day at the plate with three hits, two runs and two RBIs. The win, the team's fourth in five games, keeps the Gnats a game out of first place with an 8-4-1 record.

The 45 Gnats are second overall in the Carolina League in team batting average (.385). The 35 Gnats lead the league at .395.

The 45 team will play at home Saturday at noon at Pinebluff Park.

The Gnats 35 and 21 teams were off this past weekend.

The 21 Gnats (7-3-1) will play a pair of games with Sunday's contest slated form 4:30 p.m. at Pinecrest High School. The Cleveland Indians (13-1) lead the American Division of the 21 eague.

The 35 Gnats (9-5) will also play a pair of games this weekend with Sunday's game slated for 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Pinecrest High School.

The Carolina Brewers lead the 35 league with a 10-1 record.

The teams will continue to play regular season games through the end of August.

Contact Tom Embrey at 693-2477 or by e-mail at sports@thepilot.com.