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Greenville Drive

Drive's comeback bid thwarted by Hot Rods, lose 8-4

August 10, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Bowling Green, KY - The Drive (59-52, 20-23) found themselves clawing to get back into Monday night's game at Bowling Green Ballpark. With a two-run effort in the top of the eighth, Greenville pulled within a run of the Hot Rods (57-55, 23-19).

However, the home team answered with three runs in what would be their final at bat, sealing an 8-4 victory in the second meeting of the series.

The Drive pushed across the game's first run, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Casey Kelly's single was the only hit of the inning, as Mitch Dening drew a leadoff walk and eventually scored on Ryan Lavarnway's sacrifice fly.

But it would Greenville's only lead of the game. The Hot Rods plated three runs in the bottom of the second off Fabian Williamson (8-4), as Jason Corder laced a two-run double and Robi Estrada added an RBI-groundout.

Without tallying a hit in the top of the fifth, the Drive had a perfect opportunity to cut into Bowling Green's lead. Pete Hissey drew a walk, while Mitch Dening and Zach Gentile were both hit by a pitch to load the bases. But reliever Diego Echeverria (3-1) was able to get out of trouble with no damage.

Trailing 5-2 in the top of the eighth, the Drive cut their deficit to a run off Jamie Bagley. Ty Weeden and Hissey both singled before scoring on Dening's one-out double. But the Australian outfielder, representing the tying run, remained 180 feet from home as Kelly flew out and Gentile grounded out to end the threat.

And just as before, the Hot Rods answered again. Reliever Chad Povich's struggled in his only inning, surrendering four hits as three different Bowling Green batters recorded an RBI.

The Drive and Hot Rods conclude their four-game series on Tuesday with first pitch set for 7:35 PM ET from Bowling Green Ballpark. Right-hander Stolmy Pimentel (9-6, 3.25 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, as Bowling Green counters with right-hander Nick Barnese (5-5, 2.43 ERA).

Following their four-game road trip, the Drive return home to Fluor Field on Thursday, August 13th for a four-game set with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Dollar Drink Night kicks off the series, as first pitch is set for 7:05 PM.

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