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Greenville Drive

Drive Clipped by BlueClaws, 5-2

May 13, 2010 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


GREENVILLE, SC - Missed opportunities and defensive miscues were the name of the game for the Drive (18-16) on Thursday, as they fell to the Lakewood BlueClaws (18-16), 5-2, at Fluor Field.

Despite being outhit 12-5, and committing four errors, Greenville had several chances where they could have cut the score closer or even tied the game.

Trailing 4-1 in the bottom of the fourth, the Drive were able to load the bases with two outs as Ronald Bermudez doubled, and Jeremy Hazelbaker and Reymond Fuentes followed by each drawing a walk. However, Matt Way induced Vladimir Frias to hit into an inning-ending groundout.

An inning later, Derrik Gibson's RBI-double cut Greenville's deficit to two runs. The speedy shortstop then stole third, but was stranded there when Bermudez grounded out to end the threat.

In their final two at bats, the Drive once again had runners in scoring position but were unable to push across a run. In the eighth, Hazelbaker walked, stole second and advanced to third on Fuentes' single before Frias grounded out to end the inning. In their last chance, Mike Thomas laced a one-out triple to right, but BlueClaws closer Joshua Zeid recorded back-to-back ground outs to pickup his fifth save.

The Drive got on the scoreboard first, as Wilfred Pichardo manufactured a run in the team's first at bat. Rated as the fastest baserunner in the Red Sox farm system, Pichardo singled up the middle, stole second and third, and then scored on Chris McGuiness' groundout.

The lead would not last long however, as Lakewood tied the game in the second and posted three more runs off Pedro Perez (2-2) in the top of the third. The right-hander lasted just 4.0 innings in his first start of the season, surrendering four runs - all earned - on eight hits and a walk, while fanning one.

Relievers Jeremiah Bayer and Cesar Cabral did their jobs in stopping the BlueClaws offense in the final five innings. Bayer went 4.0 strong innings, allowing a run on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts. Cabral added a scoreless ninth inning, giving up a hit and striking one out.

The Drive and BlueClaws continue their four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 7:05 PM at Fluor Field. Right-hander Pete Ruiz (4-1, 2.05 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, as Lakewood counters with right-hander Jonathan Pettibone (1-1, 4.45).

Following Friday's game, fans will be treated to yet another spectacular fireworks display at the ballpark, with the musical theme being songs from the hit show, American Idol. 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 13, 2010


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