SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Doubled Up by BlueClaws, 12-6

Published on May 14, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


GREENVILLE, SC - For the second straight night the Drive scored the game's first runs versus the BlueClaws. But once again Lakewood (19-16) reeled off several big scoring innings to cruise past Greenville (18-17) on Friday, 12-6.

After starting pitcher Pete Ruiz disposed of Lakewood's first three hitters in two minutes, the Drive went to work in their first at bat. The first three batters - Wilfred Pichardo, Derrik Gibson, and Jeremy Hazelbaker - all reached base before Michael Almanzar plated a run with a sacrifice fly. Reymond Fuentes then added a two-run single.

But the BlueClaws quickly answered, tallying five hits in the top of the second to tie the game. Adam Buschini recorded a two-run double and Torre Langley followed with an RBI-single.

Just as the Drive regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth when Hazelbaker scored on a Ronald Bermudez groundout, Lakewood plated five runs in the top of the fourth. Ruiz retired the first batter of the frame, but then allowed the next five batters to reach base. Jeremy Barnes' single tied the game before Leandro Castro brought an end to Ruiz's (4-2) outing with a grand slam.

The Drive were never able to get back on their feet following that knockout blow as the BlueClaws added their ninth run in the fifth on an RBI-single by Jonathan Villar.

Greenville came as close as 9-6, with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Almanzar followed Hazelbaker's leadoff double with an RBI-single, and eventually came around to score on Dan Butler's groundout. But once again the BlueClaws were there with an answer, scoring three times in the top of the ninth.

The trio of Pichardo, Gibson, and Hazelbaker - the Drive's first three batters in the lineup - combined to reach base 11 times, including the first nine times between the three. Pichardo and Hazelbaker each had two hits and two walks, while Gibson drew three base on balls.

The Drive also tacked on to their league-leading stolen base total, swiping seven bases Friday night while only being thrown out once. Pichardo stole three bases, while Hazelbaker and Fuentes each added a pair. With the single-game, season-high, the Drive now have 60 stolen bases for the year.

The Drive will look to split the four-game series with the BlueClaws in the finale tomorrow, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Yeiper Castillo (1-2, 3.12 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Lakewood counters with right-hander Jarred Cosart (3-1, 3.95 ERA).

During Saturday's game, BirdZerk will be at the ballpark, entering the fans. In addition, it is Armed Forces Day at Fluor Field. 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 14, 2010


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