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SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Come Away with 5-3 Victory Versus Crawdads

May 8, 2010 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


HICKORY, NC - The roller coaster of a road trip continued for the Drive (17-13) on Saturday, but this time it went in their favor. Eight of nine players tallied at least one hit and Pete Ruiz (4-1) tossed five scoreless innings in his first start of the season as Greenville defeated the Crawdads, 5-3.

Despite just a 2-4 record during their current trek away from Fluor Field, the Drive remain tied for second place with the Augusta GreenJackets and are just two games behind the first place Savannah Sand Gnats in the Southern Division.

The Drive broke a scoreless tie in the top of the second with three consecutive hits to lead off the frame, including an RBI-single off the bat of Jeremy Hazelbaker. Christian Vazquez, the only batter not to record a base hit, lifted a sacrifice fly, scoring Reymond Fuentes to put the Drive up 2-0.

Three innings later, the Drive took a four-run advantage when Chris McGuiness belted a 1-1 offering from Neil Ramirez (3-2) over the right-field wall.

But after Ruiz's outing came to an end, the Crawdads (18-12) attempted a comeback. Reliever Jeremiah Bayer surrendered four hits and two runs in the bottom of the sixth, his first inning out of the bullpen. If it weren't for an inning-ending double play, Hickory could have pulled within a run.

They did however, cut their deficit to a run in the bottom of the eighth. After allowing a single and a walk, Bayer was replaced by Dennis Neuman with two outs. Edward Koncel, the first batter the right-hander faced, delivered an RBI-double.

In their final at bat, the Drive added an insurance run as Fuentes singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a balk. Hazelbaker then collected his second hit and RBI with a single.

Neuman stayed on in the bottom of the ninth, working around a pair of singles to record his fourth save of the season.

The Drive and Crawdads continue their four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 5:05 PM from LP Frans Stadium. Both teams will send right-handers to the hill as Yeiper Castillo (1-2, 3.14 ERA) takes the pill for Greenville, while Hickory counters with Joe Wieland (0-2, 3.07 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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