SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Hang On Versus BlueClaws, 8-7

Published on May 12, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


GREENVILLE, SC - All the Drive (18-15) needed was an off day and a return to familiar scenery to get back to their winning ways. Following a tough eight-game road trip, Greenville's offense came alive for 11 hits, en route to an 8-7 victory over the Lakewood BlueClaws (17-16).

With seven runs in the first two innings, the Drive sent BlueClaws' starter Brody Colvin (2-5) to the showers early. Chris McGuiness, who knocked in a season-high four runs, started the scoring barrage with an RBI-double, scoring Derrik Gibson.

An inning later 10 Drive batters stepped up to the plate, with eight reaching base as they scored six runs. McGuiness' three-run homer, his team-leading fifth of the year, highlighted the inning while Dan Butler, Michael Almanzar, and Jeremy Hazelbaker each added an RBI.

Although the Drive had a six-run lead after two innings, Lakewood clawed their way back into the game with single runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings. Manuel Rivera didn't factor into the decision as he lasted only 4.0 innings.

In the top of the third, Darin Ruf belted a solo homer. An inning later, Jonathan Villar added an RBI-single in Rivera's final frame. The BlueClaws cut their deficit to just three runs in the top of the fifth when Sebastian Valle recorded an RBI-single off Anatanaer Batista (1-1).

The Drive scored their final run in the bottom of the eighth, taking advantage of two hits and an error. Ronald Bermudez led off the inning by reaching on a Jacob Diekman throwing error and scored on Wilfred Pichardo's groundball.

That run proved extremely crucial as Lakewood made things interesting in the top of the ninth. Ruf, who finished 5-for-5 for the BlueClaws, tripled home a run, forcing the Drive to turn Dennis Neuman to closeout the game.

But the first batter the right-hander faced, Stephen Batts, belted a two run homer to left, leaving the Drive with a one-run lead. But Neuman recorded a strikeout and a fly out to earn his fifth save of the season.

The Drive and BlueClaws continue their four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 7:05 PM at Fluor Field. Right-hander Pedro Perez (2-1, 4.71 ERA) will make his first start of the season for Greenville, as Lakewood counters with lefty Matt Way (1-3, 5.51 ERA).

Thursday is also Dollar Drink Night at the ballpark, in which fans can purchase 12 ounce Pepsi products at any of the concession stands for just a buck. In addition, those fans at least 21 years of age can head over to The 500 Club for draft specials. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 12, 2010


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