SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Fall 8-2 to Crawdads in Season Finale

Published on September 1, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Hickory, NC - The Hickory Crawdads (52-87, 22-48) scored runs in each of the first three innings, accounting for six runs, en route to an 8-2 victory over the Drive (70-69, 30-39) in the final game of the 2008 regular season.

The bottom of the first did not get off to a good start for Jose Alvarez (8-9), as the first four batters all reached base. The Crawdads scored their first run as Alvarez issued a bases loaded walk, his third of the inning. After Jody Mercer grounded into a double play for Hickory's second run, Greg Picart added an RBI-double.

Albert Laboy belted a home run an inning later before the Crawdads brought an end to Alvarez's outing in the third by scoring two unearned runs.

The Drive scored their first run in the top of the third when Thomas DiBenedetto doubled off Duke Welker (4-13) and scored on David Marks' single. DiBenedetto accounted for the Greenville's second run in the top of the seventh as he singled and scored on Oscar Tejeda's sacrifice fly.

The Crawdads scored their final two runs in the bottom of the fifth as Matt Hague laced a two-run single off Jeremy Kehrt.

Michael Rozier proved to be the Drive's most effective pitcher in the game, holding the Crawdads scoreless and hitless over the final 3.0 innings. The southpaw issued two walks while fanning four.

In addition to DiBenedetto recording two hits, catcher Will Vazquez accounted for two of the Drive's seven hits as well.

At 70-69 overall, the Drive finished the 2008 season with an above .500 record for the first time in the franchise's three years. After finishing 40-30 in the first half, Greenville finished 30-39 in the second half. The Drive had the third best road record in the 16-team South Atlantic League at 43-26.

For more information regarding 2009 Greenville Drive ticket plans, group outings and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

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South Atlantic League Stories from September 1, 2008


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