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Greenville Drive

Drive Blanked, 4-0, by Braves Pitching Combo

May 16, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Drive (20-16) offense hit a brick wall Saturday night in the form of Rome Braves (19-16) starting pitcher J.J. Hoover. The right-hander put his team on his shoulders, as the Braves garnered a 4-0 shutout in front of 5,875 fans at Fluor Field.

A 10th round selection in the 200 First-Year Player Draft, Hoover (2-1) dominated the Drive to the tune of seven hits, over 8-1/3 scoreless innings. Only two Greenville baserunners were able to reach third base, and only an additional three made it to second base.

Hoover was vying for the complete game, but after surrendering a single to Tim Federowicz and a ground-rule double to David Mailman, Rome manager Randy Ingle opted for reliever Craig Kimbrel. The right-hander did not disappoint, fanning Oscar Tejeda and Michael Almanzar to earn his fourth save.

Rome was able to get on the scoreboard in their very first at bat, and it was all they needed. Back-to-back singles by Luis Sumoza and Jesus Sucre setup Gerry Rodriguez's RBI-groundout.

After pitching three innings, Greenville's starting pitcher Brock Huntzinger (2-2) exited with an apparent injury before throwing a pitch in the fourth. Leonardo Marin relieved the right-hander and tossed a scoreless inning before surrendering a run in the fifth.

Once again it was a ground out that plated the Braves run as Jahdiel Santamaria drew a leadoff walk and Chris Shehan followed with a single, setting up Shayne Moody's RBI. An inning later Lance McClain surrendered Rome's final two runs on Santamaria's sacrifice fly and Shehan's single.

Tejeda led the Drive with a pair of hits, including a double, while Ryan Dent, Anthony Rizzo, and David Marks, as well as Federowicz and Mailman all recorded as base hit.

The Drive and Braves continue their four-game series Sunday afternoon with first pitch at Fluor Field set for 4:05 PM. Right-hander Hunter Strickland will head to the mound for Greenville as Rome counters with right-hander Jacob Thompson

Sunday is also Family FunDay at Fluor Field, in which kids 12 and under get to run the bases at the conclusion of the game. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

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