SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Sink Captains, 9-7, in 10 Innings

July 19, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Eastlake, OH - Zach Gentile hadn't homered all season. That was not until Saturday night. In his 179th at bat of 2009, the second baseman sent a Travis Turek (1-1) offering to deep rightfield for a two-run homer, proving to be the eventual game-winner as the Drive (50-40, 11-11) defeated the Lake County Captains (42-48, 11-12), 9-7.

With the score knotted at 7-7 in the top of the tenth, Ty Weeden led off the frame with a single. Playing it safe, Pete Hissey moved Weeden into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. But as the next batter, Gentile gave Greenville the lead with his two-run round tripper.

It was a night of homers for the Drive who totaled three off Captains pitching. Already leading 1-0 after an RBI-single by Weeden, Kade Keowen put Greenville up by two runs with a solo homer to lead off the fourth.

Greenville continued to pull away with three more runs an inning later. Ryan Dent drew a leadoff walk and Ryan Lavarnway followed with his third home run in as many days. Oscar Tejeda added another run in the inning with an RBI-groundout.

However, the five run advantage did not seem to be enough as Lake County exploded for six runs in the bottom of the fifth. Drive starter Caleb Clay walked the first two batters of the inning before surrendering a three-run shot to Michael Valdez. Reliever Felix Ventura did not fare any better as he too allowed a three-run homer in the inning, a blast by Nate Recknagel.

The Drive reclaimed a one-run lead in the sixth as Gentile scored when Dent reached on an error and Keowen tallied an RBI-groundout. However, an RBI-triple by Daniel DeGeorge in the bottom of the seventh tied the game, which would also send the game into extra innings.

Mitch Herold (4-1), the Drive's third pitcher of the game, held Lake County scoreless over the final 3-1/3 innings to pick-up the victory. The southpaw was able to scatter four singles and a pair of walks, while fanning two.

The Drive and Captains continue their series tomorrow with the third-game in the matchup. Lefty Nick Hagadone (0-2, 3.94 ER) will toe the rubber for Greenville as Lake County counters with right-hander Trey Haley (2-5, 5.66 ERA).

The Drive return home from their northern trek on Wednesday, July 22nd when the begin an eight-game homestand at Fluor Field. Greenville "Pitches In" kicks-off the homestand as anyone can come to Fluor Field beginning at 6 AM to throw out a first pitch. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Children's Hospital at Greenville Hospital System. 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 July 19, 2009


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