SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Roughed Up Early by Crawdads in 10-6 Loss

May 7, 2010 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


HICKORY, NC - The Drive (16-13) must have been feeling the ill effects of last night's extra-inning win, coupled with the travel from Augusta, GA to Hickory, NC. Because in the series opener with the Crawdads (18-11), they fell behind early and in a hurry, eventually losing 10-6.

Roman Mendez (0-2) was knocked from the game after just two-plus innings, being charged with five runs on four hits during his brief outing. Hickory needed just two hits in the bottom of the second to post four runs, with the big blow coming on Edward Koncel's grand slam.

Hickory tallied back-to-back singles to leadoff the third inning, sending Mendez to the showers early as Greenville was forced to go to the bullpen. Already up 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth, Vincent DiFazio delivered another key hit for the Crawdads with the bases loaded, a three-run double.

Finding themselves in a huge hole, the Drive plated their first run in the top of the sixth as Reymond Fuentes delivered a one-out triple, and scored on Derrik Gibson's sacrifice fly.

Taking advantage of two errors, a walk, and two hits in the eighth, the Drive scored five runs to cut their deficit to three. Following a bases loaded walk to Chris McGuiness, Michael Almanzar lifted what should have been a sacrifice fly to Joseph Bonadonna. However, the leftfielder dropped the fly ball allowing two runs to come home. Ronald Bermudez added an RBI-single and Dan Butler followed with a run-scoring groundout.

But the outburst appeared to have exhaust the Drive, as a miracle comeback was thwarted when Hector Nelo picked up his first save by striking out the side in the top of the ninth.

The Drive and Crawdads continue their four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 7:05 PM from LP Frans Stadium. Right-hander Pete Ruiz (3-1, 2.53 ERA) will make his first start of the season for Greenville after his first six appearances have all been out of the bullpen, while Hickory will counter with right-hander Neil Ramirez (3-1, 6.17 ERA).

Although the Drive do not return home to Fluor Field until Wednesday, May 12, there will be exciting collegiate baseball at the ballpark on May 11th with Furman versus Clemson. 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 May 7, 2010


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