SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Take Series with Intimidators Following 6-4 Win

Published on June 4, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Kannapolis, NC - The Drive (28-28) only scored in one inning Friday night, but it was more than enough as they defeated the Kannapolis Intimidators 6-4, at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. With the win, Greenville closed out a successful road trip with a 5-3 record, including winning three of four versus the Intimidators (27-28).

Trailing 2-0 after two innings, the Drive exploded for all six of their runs in the top of the third. Greenville sent 11 batters to the dish, pounding out nine hits which was started by Reynaldo Rodriguez's solo homer to leadoff the frame - it was his third round tripper in four days.

The next three batters all recorded a hit, including a two-run double off the bat of Jeremy Hazelbaker, scoring Vladimir Frias and Joantoni Garcia. Dan Butler and Reymond Fuentes each added an RBI-single, before Rodriguez capped the scoring with his second hit and second RBI of the inning, this time with a two-out single.

Despite surrendering runs in the first and second innings, Greenville starter Yeiper Castillo settled to shutdown Kannapolis over his final four innings. The right-hander faced the minimum number of batters from the third through the sixth innings, striking out three and inducing a pair of double plays.

The Intimidators closed the gap, however, with a run in the seventh off Chris Court and an unearned run off Dennis Neuman in their final at bat. First baseman Ian Gac belted his 11th homer of the year, luckily a solo shot, off Court and a throwing error by Garcia led to Kannapolis' final run two innings later.

Neuman was able to get around the defensive miscue to earn his sixth save in as many chances on the year.

In tallying 13 hits as a team, Hazelbaker, Ronald Bermudez, Fuentes and Rodriguez each had two hits for the Drive. All nine batters recorded a hit in the win.

The Drive will now return home on Saturday to begin a four-game series with the Southern Division-leading Augusta GreenJackets. Greenville will look to cut into Augusta's six game lead as they send right-hander Pete Ruiz (4-3, 4.66 ERA) to the hill. The GreenJackets will counter with right-hander Chris Heston (2-5, 6.75 ERA).

First pitch is set for 7:05 PM from Fluor Field, and it will be "Star Wars Night" at the ballpark with plenty of videos featuring storm troopers and other favorite characters from the sci-fi hit. 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

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



South Atlantic League Stories from June 4, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central