SAL1 Greenville Drive

Speedy Drive Race Past Rome, 3-1

Published on April 13, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - First you saw them, then you didn't. The youthful Drive (2-4) flashed their speed Tuesday night at Fluor Field, en route to giving the Rome Braves (5-1) their first loss of the season, 3-1.

With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth, Wilfredo Pichardo drew a one-out walk. Rated as the fastest baserunner in the Red Sox farm system, Pichardo was given the green light by manager Billy McMillon and raced towards second on pitcher Chris Masters' (0-1) leg kick.

Although Rome had a chance to catch the speedster stealing, an errant throw from first baseman Osman Marval allowed Pichardo to come all the way around to score. An inning later, a very similar situation arose - only this time it was Reymond Fuentes on the basepaths and Robinson Lopez on the mound.

Lopez tried to pickoff Fuentes at first, but the throw was wide, allowing the cousin of Mets' outfielder Carlos Beltran to advance 180 feet to third base. Two batters later, Kenneth Roque delivered an RBI-single.

For the first time all year, the Drive scored the game's first run, plating an unearned run in the bottom of the first. Derrik Gibson, who led off the game with an infield single, stole third with two outs and scored on a throwing error by catcher Braeden Schlehuber.

Up until the sixth inning, it looked as if Yeiper Castillo (1-0) would earn his second straight no-decision, after turning in another stellar outing. The right-hander tied a career-high with eight strikeouts, surrendering just one run on three hits and a walk over 6.0 innings.

Equally impressive was Masters for the Braves, who endured the tough-luck loss. Both of the southpaw's runs were unearned as he allowed two hits and a walk over 5.2 innings, while fanning nine.

The Drive will look to take a two-game-to-one lead in the series when they meet the Braves again on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM from Fluor Field, as lefty Drake Britton (0-1, 4.50 ERA) toes the slab for Greenville, with Julio Teheran (1-0, 0.00 ERA) counters for Rome.

As Opening Week, presented by Carolina First, continues tomorrow at Fluor Field, the Drive will honor retiring Furman President Dr. David Shi during Wednesday's game. A pre-game block party will take place on Field Street, Dr. Shi will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and Furman students and faculty will participate in onfield games and activities. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

GAME NOTES:

Attendance was 3,335...Derrik Gibson led the Drive with 2 hits...Jeremiah Bayer earned his 1st save, tossing a perfect 9th inning...Through 2 starts (10.2 IP), Yeiper Castillo has 15 strikeouts.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 13, 2010


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