SAL1 Greenville Drive

Trio of Drive Pitchers Shutdown First Place Braves, 1-0

May 24, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Rome, GA - The Rome Braves (24-19) entered Sunday's game as the hottest team in the South Atlantic League, having won eight of their last 10 games and perched atop the Southern Division.

However, they were no match for Fabian Williamson, Hunter Strickland, and Felix Ventura of the Drive (22-20), who limited Rome to just five base hits in a 1-0 blanking at State Mutual Stadium.

Making his first start of the season, Williamson lasted 4.0 scoreless innings, allowing two singles and fanning five. Strickland (2-4) then piggy-backed the southpaw for 4.0 more innings in which he allowed two more hits and walk, while fanning four. Ventura closed the book on the Braves, tossing a scoreless ninth to earn his third save.

David Mailman pushed across the game's only run in the top of the second with a sacrifice fly, scoring Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo led off with a double and advanced to third on Ryan Lavarnway's single before crossing the plate on Mailman's RBI.

Greenville positioned themselves for more runs as Kade Keowen and Will Middlebrooks each singled to load the bases. Brett DeVall (2-2) had other plans, however, striking out Zach Gentile and inducing Pete Hissey into a ground to ensure that further damage was not done.

The Braves had their best chance to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh when Jesus Sucre doubled to lead off the frame and Gerry Rodriguez followed by drawing a walk. After Steve Shults moved both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt, Strickland struckout Jahdiel Santamaria and Chais Fuller flew out to end the threat.

The Drive and Braves continue their four-game series on Memorial Day with first pitch set for 1:05 PM. Right-hander Casey Kelly, whose 1.28 ERA ranks second in the South Atlantic League, will toe the rubber for Greenville. Rome will counter with the league's win leader, Ezekiel Spruill.

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.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from May 24, 2009


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