Tourists Toppled In Playoff Opener
September 10, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release
(Asheville, NC) - The Tourists took a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning with their closer on the mound, but back-to-back homeruns lifted the Greenville Drive to a stunning 3-2 victory at McCormick Field Thursday night. Juan Nicasio started game one of a best-of-three series and went 7.0 innings, allowing a run on six hits and leaving with his team ahead. Delta Cleary, Jr. provided all the offense with a two-run double in the fifth inning, his second double of the game. Asheville had a golden opportunity to come back in the bottom of the ninth, stranding the bases loaded to end the game.
The Drive scratched across the go-ahead run in the second inning after back-to-back walks led off the frame. After a fielder's choice and a groundout, Ty Weeden delivered an RBI single to put Greenville ahead 1-0.
Stolmy Pimentel pitched well for the Drive, allowing just two runs (one earned) in 6.0 innings. Asheville got to Pimentel in the fifth when Ryan Peisel led off with a bunt single down the third base line. After a Thomas Field groundout, Scott Robinson reached on an error by Casey Kelly to put runners on the corners. Robinson stole second base with Cleary, Jr. at the plate before Cleary drove his second double of the game to the gap in left field, plating both runs to take a 2-1 advantage.
Michael Marbry and Rex Brothers combined to pitch a flawless eighth and turned it over to Adam Jorgenson in the ninth. Jorgenson allowed homeruns to Ryan Lavarnway and Will Middlebrooks to lead off the inning, putting Greenville ahead, 3-2 before getting out of the inning.
The Tourists threatened in the bottom of the ninth, drawing three walks to load the bases with two away and league MVP Jordan Pacheco at the plate. Pacheco swung at the first pitch and hit a flared line drive to second that was snagged by Zach Gentile to end the game.
The Tourists, down 0-1 in the series, will need to win back-to-back games in Greenville Friday and Saturday to advance to the league championship. Asheville will have RHP Dan Houston (8-9, 3.63) on the mound for game two against Greenville LHP Fabian Williamson (10-5, 2.42). All the action can be heard live on the radio on 100.7 WRES FM or online at www.theashevilletourists.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from September 10, 2009
- Tourists Toppled In Playoff Opener - Asheville Tourists
- Lavarnway and Middlebrooks' Back-to-Back Jacks Give Greenville 3-2 Win - Greenville Drive
- Suns Norris Snags Nationals Top Minor League Award - Hagerstown Suns
- Redneck Rummage Sale Coming September 26th - Rome Emperors
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.
