SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Squash Grasshoppers, 6-1

Published on August 15, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Everything came together for the Drive (61-54, 22-25) Saturday night at Fluor Field. Behind 12 hits, including Will Middlebrooks falling a homer shy of the cycle, and a strong pitching performance from Fabian Williamson, Greenville defeated the Greensboro Grasshoppers (53-64, 16-31) 6-1.

Back-to-back doubles by Middlebrooks and Ryan Dent in the bottom of the second for the Drive's first run, was just a preview of what was to come an inning later.

Greenville sent all nine batters to the plate in the bottom of the third, sending the ‘Hoppers Johnny Dorn (10-9) to the showers after just 2-1/3 innings. The first three batters of the inning recorded hits, including an RBI-double by Mitch Dening who extended his hit streak to 13 games.

Following an RBI-single by Shannon Wilkerson, Middlebrooks continued his run at the franchise's first cycle by tripling home a pair of runs. Jeremy Hazelbaker then closed out the Drive's scoring when Middlebrooks scored on his fielder's choice.

Although Greenville was held scoreless over the final five innings, they had already done enough damage. That, and Williamson, along with relievers Jeremy Kerht and Will Latimer held Greensboro to just three hits.

Williamson (9-4), moved into a tie for the team lead for wins, allowing just a pair of hits over 5.0 scoreless innings, while fanning four. The Grasshoppers lone run came in their second to last at bat, as Emilio Ontiveros tallied an RBI-groundout, denying the Drive a bid for their 11th shutout of the season.

Latimer pitched a perfect ninth, albeit a non-save situation, striking out one to close the book on Greensboro.

The Drive and Grasshoppers conclude their four-game series Sunday night with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Stolmy Pimentel (9-6, 3.25 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, as Greensboro counters with lefty Brad Hand (6-12, 5.00 ERA).

There will be lots going on pre-game and post-game tomorrow at Fluor Field. From 5 PM to 6 PM, Greenville Hospital System will have "Family Fitness Day." Then at 6:30 PM, the kids run for the Go Magazine Family Fun Run will occur on the warning track. And finally, it's Kids Run the Bases after the game. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 15, 2009


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