SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Swat Grasshoppers, 12-6, in Series Opening Victory

Published on August 19, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greensboro, NC - The Greenville Drive (65-62, 25-32) offense just needed a change of scenery to get back on the right track. Making their first and only trip of 2008 to NewBridge Bank Park, the Drive torched the Grasshoppers' (61-67, 23-35) pitching for 16 hits for a 12-6 victory Tuesday night.

The Drive found themselves down early as Greensboro pushed across three runs in the bottom of the third. Chad Povich surrendered back-to-back home runs to the Grasshoppers as Thomas Hickman belted a two-run shot and Tyler Belcher added a solo homer.

But the lead did not last long as Greenville answered for three runs of their own in the top of the fourth, all with two outs. The Drive laced four consecutive singles with a run scoring on David Marks' base hit and Oscar Tejeda knocking in two more.

After the Grasshoppers retook the lead in the bottom of the fourth, the Drive went on a scoring binge by plating nine runs in the final four innings. Rafael Cabreja followed Michael Almanzar's single with a two-run home run in the sixth.

Greenville sent all nine batters to the plate in a five run seventh inning, highlighted by a two-run double by Marks. Jered Stanley and Will Vazquez each collected an RBI-single as well.

David Mailman rounded the Drive's scoring with a two-run single in the top of the ninth. It was the centerfielder's only hit of the game, but he was able to extend his season-high hit streak to 13 games.

Despite allowing a pair of runs in 2.2 innings in relief, Ryne Miller (2-3) earned the win. Felix Ventura was the third and final pitcher used by Greenville, holding the Grasshoppers scoreless over 1.1 innings.

Eight of the Drive's nine batters recorded a hit in the ballgame with Carlos Fernandez and Tejeda each tallying three hits.

The Drive and Grasshoppers continue their four-game series Wednesday evening with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Brock Huntzinger will toe the rubber for Greenville as Greensboro counters with right-hander Stuart Alexander.

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on August 23rd for a three-game set with the Augusta GreenJackets, the final home stand of the 2008 season. For more information regarding single-game tickets, ticket plans, group outings and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 19, 2008


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