NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Greenville Drive

Drive's Three-Run Lead Evaporates in Bottom of the 9th

August 18, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Two outs, two runners aboard, the Drive (63-55, 24-26) leading by two runs, and with a 3-2 count, it came down to the final pitch from Felix Ventura to Cristian Santana. But with one swing of the bat, Santana provided a storybook ending to an improbable comeback, giving the Hickory Crawdads (57-62, 24-26) a 6-5 win.

After tossing a scoreless eighth inning, Ventura returned to the mound for the Crawdads final at bat. The right-hander allowed a leadoff single to Leonel Del Los Santos, and then two batters later Cody Podraza delivered an RBI-single. Mike Hollander followed by drawing a walk before Ventura was able to record the second out by striking out Edward Koncel.

Just two days after Ryan Lavarnway gave the Drive a reason to celebrate by belting a walk-off homer at Fluor Field, Santana showed Greenville how it feels to fall victim to such a blast.

The Drive wasted little time building a two-run lead to start the game, scoring a run in each of the first two innings. Pete Hissey continued his hot month, leading off the game with an infield single, followed by two stolen bases. Ty Weeden then began his 3-for-4 performance with an RBI-single.

An inning later, 2009 draft pick Mike Thomas belted his first professional homer. Thomas, who was not a scheduled starter, came into pinch hit for first baseman Kade Keowen, who suffered an injury in the bottom of the first.

Following three scoreless innings in which he allowed only one hit, Caleb Clay surrendered four hits on two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Clay retired Erik Morrison to begin the inning, but then allowed four consecutive singles including RBIs by Matt West and Eric Fry.

But Greenville quickly regained their lead, going backup by a run in the top of the fifth as Ryan Lavarnway doubled home Casey Kelly with two outs.

The one-run lead remained intact until the bottom of the ninth, as left-handed reliever Mitch Herold tossed 2.0 scoreless innings out of the 'pen.

The Drive and Crawdads meet in the third game of their four-game series on Wednesday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM from LP Frans Stadium. Right-hander Mike Lee (3-4, 3.45 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville as Hickory counters with right-hander Neil Ramirez (3-5, 4.82 ERA)

Greenville returns home to Fluor Field on Tuesday, August 25th for a four-game set against the Northern Division-leading Kannapolis Intimidators, affiliates of the Chicago White Sox. 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

• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...

South Atlantic League Stories from August 18, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central