John Smoltz Begins Tune Up with Three Scoreless Innings
May 21, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release
Augusta, GA - John Smoltz's journey back to the Major Leagues officially began Thursday night as the right-hander made a rehabilitation start for the Drive against the Augusta GreenJackets.
The 42-year-old, who was making his first start since June of 2008 after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum, allowed just one hit, walking none, and striking out two over three innings.
However, it was the GreenJackets (17-22) who eventually defeated the Drive (20-20), 8-3, in a game marred by defensive mishaps. The two teams combined for seven errors with all three of Greenville's miscues coming in a six-run sixth.
Stolmy Pimentel (1-3), who relieved Smoltz, made the first error of the inning which opened the flood gates. After Ryan Dent and Michael Almanzar each committed an error, before Wendell Fairley capped the inning with a three-run double.
After Paul Oseguera limited the Drive to just one base runner through the first four innings, while fanning five, the Augusta defense didn't do the right-hander any favors as they committed a pair of errors in the fifth as the Drive took a 2-0 lead.
Dent accounted for Greenville's only hit of the inning with a leadoff single. With Dent on third and Oscar Tejeda on first after a walk, James Simmons' error on Will Middlebrooks' batted ball allowed the two to score. A passed ball in the top of the seventh accounted for the Drive's final run when Tejeda crossed home.
The GreenJackets finally scored the game's first earned runs in the bottom of the eighth on Matt Klimas' two-out, two-run single.
Trey Webb (1-0), who allowed an unearned run in 1-2/3 innings of relief work, earned the victory.
The Drive and GreenJackets continue their four-game series tomorrow evening at Lake Olmstead Stadium with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Caleb Clay will toe the rubber for Greenville as Augusta counters with southpaw Eric Surkamp.
The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Thursday, May 28th when they begin a seven-game homestand, starting with the Charleston RiverDogs. 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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South Atlantic League Stories from May 21, 2009
- Hoppers Slug Thier Way Past Captains in Finale - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- John Smoltz Begins Tune Up with Three Scoreless Innings - Greenville Drive
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- McPherson shines in 6-1 Power victory - Charleston Dirty Birds
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- Norris, Suns take series finale - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Applebee's Park site of 11th region baseball tournament; draw set for Saturday - Lexington Legends
- Venditte and RiverDogs to be Showcased on CBS Nightly News - Charleston RiverDogs
- BlueClaws Return Friday for Eight-Game Homestand - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Game Postponed - Savannah Sand Gnats
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