SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Clipped by Crawdads, 5-4

Published on May 9, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


HICKORY, NC - The Drive (17-14) have shown their resiliency all season, proving that they are able to comeback in any situation. On Mother's Day at LP Frans Stadium, Greenville fell behind early, tied the game but eventually fell to the Hickory Crawdads, 5-4.

It didn't take Hickory (19-12) too long to get on the scoreboard, posting a run in the bottom of the first against Yeiper Castillo. With two outs and no runners aboard, three consecutive Crawdads reached base including an RBI-double by Matt West.

Although Castillo surrendered the first inning run, he held the Crawdads scoreless over the next four innings while his offense got off to a slow start. Hickory starter Joe Wieland (1-2) was perfect until the top of the fifth when he allowed a one-out single to Jeremy Hazelbaker.

The game's next three runs all game by way of home runs as the Crawdads extended their lead to 2-0 when Edwin Garcia belted a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth off Castillo. Greenville quickly answered though, as Dan Butler homered in the sixth and Chris McGuiness's solo shot in the seventh tied the game.

But Hickory delivered a crushing blow in the bottom of the seventh in reliever Ryan Pressly's (0-3) first inning out of the bullpen. With two runners aboard and one out, Jared Prince delivered the big hit with a three-run homer to left.

An inning later Greenville cut back into the Crawdads lead when Derrik Gibson laced an RBI-single and Wilfred Pichard scored on a passed ball. But with the bases loaded and two outs, Crawdads reliever Josh Lueke was able to get out of the jam by striking out Hazelbaker.

The right-hander stayed on in the ninth inning, retiring the Drive in order to pickup his ninth save of the season.

The Drive and Crawdads conclude their four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 11:05 AM from LP Frans Stadium. Right-hander Kendal Volz (3-1, 2.89 ERA) will take the mound for Greenville in search of the series split, while Hickory counters with southpaw Robbie Ross (3-3, 2.93 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 9, 2010


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