SAL1 Greenville Drive

Five-Run First Inning Enough for Drive to Defeat Legends

Published on April 17, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Lexington, KY - In eight of the innings on Friday night, the Drive (5-5) were shutout by the Legends (5-5) pitching. But in the one inning that they did push across runs, the first inning, it was more than enough to pickup a 5-3 victory at Applebee's Park.

Greenville only tallied two hits in the frame, but were able to capitalize on erratic pitching from Legends' starter Brandt Walker. Derrik Gibson led off with a double, then went to third and scored on consecutive wild pitches.

After recording back-to-back outs, Walker issued three straight walks to Michael Almanzar, Dan Buter, and Reymond Fuentes. With nowhere to put Christian Vazquez, Walker made a mistake on a 1-1 offering which was belted over the leftfield wall for a grand slam.

The Drive only recorded five more hits for the rest of the game, all coming in different innings, but received a solid effort from a trio of pitchers to secure the victory.

Starter Ryan Pressly recorded five strikeouts in three innings of work, but surrendered a pair of runs in his final frame when Jose Altuve and J.D. Martinez each laced an RBI-double.

The game's final run came in the bottom of the fourth in reliever Pete Ruiz's (2-1) first inning out of the bullpen. Having hit two home runs the night before off of Greenville, Legends' first baseman Kody Hinze led off the inning with a solo homer.

Following that home run, Ruiz settled down to allow one more hit and no walks, while striking out five before turning the final two innings over to Cesar Cabral. Cabral scattered a hit and two walks, with two strikeouts, in the eighth and ninth innings to record his first save of the season.

The Drive and Legends continue their four-game series on Sunday with first pitch set for 2:05 PM from Applebee's Park. Greenville will send right-hander Yeiper Castillo (1-0, 2.53 ERA) to the hill, while Lexington counters with right-hander Tanner Bushue (0-0, 4.15 ERA).

Following their eight-game road trip, which also includes a stop in Charleston, WV, the Drive return home to Fluor Field on Saturday, April 24th. Before the Drive return home there will be a collegiate baseball game at their home field on Thursday, April 22nd featuring Furman and Presbyterian College, and a high school contest on Friday, April 23rd between Wren and Easley. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 17, 2010


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